Atomic Force blasts opposition

MAKING the decision to geld a young colt, particularly as early as during his juvenile season, cannot be an easy, and perhaps trainer Kevin Ryan and owners Hambleton Racing may be having some pangs of regret following the Group 3 Prix du Bois Longines success of Atomic Force – by far the most impressive victory among Chantilly’s five pattern races.

An Irish-bred two-year-old son of Cotai Glory who cost just €12,000 as a foal, Atomic Force has now won both his starts since losing his tackle.

And, stepping up from a two and three-quarter length maiden score at Hamilton, he took the jump in class in his stride, making all the running and stretching five lengths clear at the line.

Top notch

“We think he’s very, very good,” Ryan asserted. “He could be top notch. I told [jockey] Stephane (Pasquier) to let him bowl along in front as that’s just like a half pace for him, we knew he’d prick his ears.”

“Being a gelding does narrow down his opportunities but there are still plenty of races for him.”

Group 3 victory for

consisent Erasmo

ST Mark’s Basilica has franked his own Poule d’Essai des Poulains win in the Jockey Club, so it has to rate as disappointing that Breizh Eagle, who came from a long way back to take third in the Poulains, could manage no better than sixth of seven in the Group 3 Prix Paul de Moussac.

Again, lack of pace was an issue in this mile contest, and while Breizh Eagle loitered in the rear, victory went to the much more prominently ridden Erasmo.

Pattern race

This admirably consistent Oasis Dream colt, who sports the royal blue of Godolphin, deserved a pattern race breakthrough after a string of good efforts, including two listed successes.

The result also gave a mild boost to the German 2000 Guineas form as Best Lightning, narrow runner-up in that classic, did well to come from an unpromising position to fill the same berth here, just a short neck behind Erasmo.

APART from the Diane, the best quality event on the card was the Group 3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil Longines, for older horses over a mile.

This witnessed a return to form after almost a year in the doldrums for the Lope de Vega colt, Ecrivain, who finished stone last when strongly fancied for the 2021 Poulains and has been well beaten in six subsequent stakes race appearances over longer trips.

A three-quarters of a length verdict over a good field proved that a mile is his best trip.

Trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias will now be planning his participation in the top races at that trip with renewed confidence.