Atomic Red takes back-to-back win for Steve Turnbull in build up towards Miracle Mile heats

Racegoers got a taste of what to expect from Steve Turnbull's Inter Dominion Pacing Championship contender Atomic Red in his victory at Bathurst earlier this month but the gelding went a step better against tougher competition in Saturday's Cordina Farms Factory Outlets Pace (2,300 metres).

Atomic Red ($1.65 favourite) showed his staying chops once again by leading start to finish and winning in a handy 1:54.6 mile rate over the longer trip.

Turnbull said it's nice to see both his Inter Dominion contenders, Atomic Red and Conviction, getting back to their best following the tough campaign in New Zealand.

"His last two runs have been really good. He got a bit crook when I took him over to New Zealand and he's taken a while to get over it. He's getting back on track now," he said.

"I know the horses in this race might have been below the top of the top grade but he handled it well and I think he can keep improving."

There's no concrete plans for Atomic Red this preparation although Turnbull said with the way his gelding is running there's no reason why a Miracle Mile run could be completely written off.

"He'll go into heats for the Miracle Mile. He was a reserve for it last year," he said.

"Hopefully he can go alright but there's some really nice horses around. He definitely deserves a go in the heats.

"It's just pleasing having him back near where he used to be."