It was a breakthrough weekend for Western District sire Atomic (Commands) with his first ever winning coming in the form of the Darren Weir trained Costa Bomb.
In her second start, the three year old grey filly saluted at Warrnambool for her owners which included Greg Daffey, owner of the sire. (pictured below with her happy owners - image Todd Nicholson Racing Photos)
Atomic is perhaps not well known to many in the breeding industry, but has been a popular stallion for breed to race types in western Victoria.
In fact, the stakes winning son of Commands has covered close to 250 mares over five breeding seasons.
He stands for a service fee of just $1,650 at Daffey's Claremont Thoroughbreds at Gatum, half an hour north of Hamilton.
"Atomic's popularity is mostly price related," Daffey said.
"Locals can afford to breed to him and he is one of the very few stallions standing in the region. People just determine that it is cheaper to breed to Atomic than buy a yearling at the sales."
Atomic (out of the Tale of the Cat mare Fluffy Duck) was bought as a yearling for $205,000 at the Magic Millions January Sale on the Gold Coast.
He was sent to be trained by Lee Freedman and won the Listed Chairman's Stakes at Sandown on debut. Rated highly by his trainer he was set for the 2011 Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes, but unfortunately pulled up injured and was subsequently retired.It was here that Daffey came in. A visit to the 2012 Inglis Great Southern Bloodstock Sale at Oaklands Junction saw him pick up the then three year old for a mere $5,500.
The family had a nice pedigree update not long afterwards with his half sister Miss Bux (General Nediym) winning the 2012 Listed Placid Ark in Perth.
Fast forward to early 2017 and Daffey is more than satisfied with the progeny of his stallion, the oldest of which are now three-year-olds.
"Most of the Atomic progeny are trained by Western Victoria based trainers including Darren Weir, Terry O'Sullivan, Paul Preusker and a number of Warrnambool trainers," Daffey said.
"He's got some nice young three-year-olds in the wings sitting there ready to go."
But there is no rush. The stallion remains popular with locals and they are not forking out big chunks of dollars for service fees or sales preparation.
Meanwhile, Daffey and Atomic will toil away on the 1300 acres of beautiful red-gum country out the back of the Grampians hoping there is another winner around the corner.
You can inquire about Atomic or Claremont Thoroughbreds' agistment services by phoning Greg on 03 5574 3224 or emailing claremontdaff@bigpond.com. - story from TBV
