Atoll Bomber capitalised on a perfect drive by Craig Thornley to win the Nelson Cup on the second day of the Nelson Harness Racing Club's meeting yesterday.
Thornley positioned Atoll Bomber behind the pacemaking Flight Dujour and stayed there until the final 200m.
When Flight Dujour led the field into the straight, Thornley switched Atoll Bomber to the outside and he sprinted clear to win the 3000m feature in three minutes 52.9 seconds.
Flight Dujour was half a length back second and there was 1 1/4 lengths to Morissette, third. Favourite Strawb's Buller Boy failed to make an impression, finishing sixth after starting from a 10m handicap.
Atoll Bomber was one of only two horses in the 14-horse field having their first start at the meeting.
Although Atoll Bomber was 10th favourite, Thornley said the West Melton-trained gelding had been racing well and deserved to win.
Super Lumber Man will have a well-earned rest after completing a double for the meeting.
The Gee Whiz II four-year-old followed an impressive win on Wednesday with an emphatic five length win in the Junction Hotel Trot yesterday.
Super Lumber Man led all the way leaving his rivals struggling in his wake when trainer-driver John Versteeg applied the pressure 400m from the finish.
- NZPA
Racing: Cup victory follows good drive
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