With no stakes races in Quebec for his prized pacer Atomic Million AM until late August, trainer/owner Alain Martin is taking him on the road.
First stop is Mohawk Racetrack this week. Yonkers may follow, depending how things go.
“He’s raced super this year,” Martin said of the four-year-old Million Dollar Cam gelding who captured Hippodrome 3R’s $35,000 final for Quebec-bred pacers on June 14, outkicking pacesetter Champagne Phil in a hard-fought 1:52.3.
“That was a race for adults,” Martin said. “He beat a really good horse, and got a great drive (from Sylvain Lacaille).”
Atomic Million AM has been first or second in all seven starts so far this year, including a pair of starts at Mohawk.
He’s collected $40,875 to date, moving him mid-pack for a starting spot in the $200,000 Prix d’Ete at Hippodrome 3R on Aug. 23, with the finalists decided by their 2015 earnings. It’s the race Martin has had in his sights since last year.
“I’m hopeful we’ll draw in, because the U.S. horses don’t always come,” he said. "I have to try him in there. He’s earned a shot. It’s not an easy race but it’s a half-mile track, which he likes, and if he draws well, you never know. He keeps surprising me, and he’s gotten much racier, and gamer, this year.”
(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)