Darley Robert Papin: Atomic Force still too strong

July 18, 2021, Chantilly Racecourse (Oise). - Odds-on favourite in the Darley Prix Robert Papin (Gr2), especially after her main rival Diablotine (Kodi Bear) was declared a non-runner behind the starting stalls, English raider Atomic Force (Cotai Glory) once again went away from the field to score easily by 2.5 lengths. The 2-year-old gelding trained by Kevin Ryan for his new owner, Pak Kwan Siu from Hong Kong, repeated the scenario played four weeks ago on the same course and distance in the Prix du Bois Longines (Gr3). Ridden by Stéphane Pasquier, Atomic Force took the lead early and went away in the last two furlongs. The Italian raider Baghed (Twilight Son) finished well in second, beating Hellomydarlin (Galileo Gold), who travelled in the rear.

Atomic Force started his career with 2nd place at Musselburgh in April and was gelded soon after that. He won next time out at Hamilton and came over straight from Scotland to Chantilly for the Bois.

Bred in Ireland, Atomic Force was purchased for €12,000 as a weanling, then £22,000 as a yearling at Goffs UK. Still, he hails from a French bloodline since his 4th dam, Green Rock, was bred in France and gave the Leger-winner Toulon. The latter raced for Khalid Abdullah, like Atomic Force's dam Atlas Silk (Dansili), who was trained at Chantilly by Pascal Bary and won her maiden on an extended 10-furlong race before failing to confirm in a Group race. She made £20,000 at the Tattersalls breeding sale later on.