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Taxi driver of 25 years John Croucher celebrated one of his finest wins after Atlantic Air brought his South Australian form across the border to win the $150,000 Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington this afternoon. Formerly trained by Kevin Moses in New South Wales, Atlantic Air was purchased by Croucher for $8,500 from an Inglis dispersal sale in August. The story bears an eerie resemblance to that of champion sprinter Takeover Target. The race itself saw Atlantic Air cross over from barrier 11 and sit outside the leader Family Bliss before assuming control outright down the Maribyrnong side of the course. Jockey Danny Nikolic had Atlantic Air cruising along at a high speed from the mile marker onwards with Family Bliss doing well to cling onto his tail for most of the trip. Family Bliss eventually dropped out just before the home turn, leaving Atlantic Air two lengths ahead of a wall of runners led by Apprehend, Saddler's Story and Humaway out wider off the track. But Atlantic Air kept his two length advantage all the way up the straight in what was a tenacious staying performance. In the tun to the line, Atlantic Air ($12) defeated Apprehend ($6-$5 fav) by two and a quarter lengths with Grand Destiny ($6.50-$8) a further half neck away in third. The Zeebac ($6.50-$9-$8.50) finished fourth while Saddler's Story ($6-$8) whacked away gamely to finish fifth. "It's a fantastic thrill," Croucher said before adding "he's the real deal." "When I seen that horse there (Family Bliss) I thought ‘beautiful'. "That's the way he likes it, when you work him on the track he half stops and waits for something to come alongside him and then he digs in. "He can be a bit cantankerous and so you've got to let him have his way and he's a happy horse. "He loves it, they get behind him, gets on his tail - he listens to them," Croucher added. When questioned over whether he believed Atlantic Air's winning form was good enough to instil him with confidence for today's challenge, Croucher quipped "I think a lot of people forget what's on the other side of the Grampians, we've got some handy horses over there." "We got good support come over here, we just about booked two planes out. "Two football clubs are in the syndicate so you can imagine what's gone on." Croucher is now likely to set Atlantic Air for the Adelaide Cup (3200m) but will wait before making any firm decision. Atlantic Air is by Air De France out of Kinjite mare Deep Time who has joined the list of multiple stakes producers having already been represented at racing's elite level by Sydney Cup winner No Wine No Song. Atlantic Air has won six times from 32 starts - and has won at his past three starts - with his prizemoney now in excess of $200,000. Pictures - Jenny Barnes
© 2010 Published 01/01/10
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