Atomic Force

There is a clear pattern to Atomic Force's success. He thrives on normal ground conditions, winning three of every nine races he runs on that surface. He is also a creature of habit at Happy Valley, where he has won three of his 25 races there — a modest tally by some measures, but it speaks to a consistent presence at a track he clearly suits. Most tellingly, he runs best when ridden by Harry Bentley, with whom he has a 16% win rate, three victories from 19 races. That is a meaningful edge over his bare career average.

Trained by Edward Bethell at Middleham in North Yorkshire — a yard that has sent out 61 winners already this season — Atomic Force remains an active competitor. He last raced just a day ago, so there is every reason to think he will be back in action soon. At seven years old and still finding the occasional win at Class 2 level, he may not be a star, but he is exactly the kind of horse that keeps racing yards honest: consistent enough to win regularly, talented enough to do it at a respectable level, and still improving his chances when the ground and the jockey line up right.