Group One The Galaxy winner Atomic Force has been a pleasant surprise for trainer Darren Smith.The gelding had been through several stables before he arrived at the Newcastle-based horseman's complex 16 months ago and Smith admitted he started out with modest expectations."I thought he might win a couple at the provincials," Smith said.Atomic Force will resume in the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday and with regular rider Tim Clark on the way to Hong Kong, Nash Rawiller ha

Group One The Galaxy winner Atomic Force has been a pleasant surprise for trainer Darren Smith.

The gelding had been through several stables before he arrived at the Newcastle-based horseman's complex 16 months ago and Smith admitted he started out with modest expectations.

"I thought he might win a couple at the provincials," Smith said.

Atomic Force will resume in the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday and with regular rider Tim Clark on the way to Hong Kong, Nash Rawiller has the mount.

The six-year-old has won two recent barrier trials in preparation for his return and has not missed a place in four first-up runs but Smith is cautious about his chances.

"He's drawn a bit wide (10) but in saying that I'm sure there will be plenty of pace in the race," Smith said.

"He'll just settle wherever he's comfortable.

"There is still a fair bit of improvement in him."

Atomic Force faces a tough task after being lumped with topweight of 60.5kg, although he did carry the same impost when a half-head second to Motspur during the Scone carnival, an effort Smith rated as one of the gelding's best.

Smith also pointed out that race was on a firm surface and while Atomic Force has been pigeonholed by many as a wet tracker, Smith believes he can also be competitive at a high level on good ground.

"Scone wasn't wet and that was probably one of his better runs," Smith said.

"I think he can handle both (wet and dry), the chop out of the ground probably just helps him a bit."

And if anybody has the key to Atomic Force it is Smith.

In 16 starts for him, Atomic Force has won six races, including the Galaxy and the Listed Maurice McCarten Stakes, and been placed on another six occasions.

Spring plans are yet to be locked in and will hinge on how Atomic Force returns on Saturday.

Stablemate Testarhythm won't be taking any part in the upcoming carnival races with Smith confirming he has been sent for a spell.

"He's had enough, the wet winter tracks probably just took their toll," Smith said.

However, in-form mare She's A Rock Star will be given a shot at black type after winning her past two starts with Smith hoping to start her in the Listed Toy Show Quality (1300m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday week.