Alfa Whiteburd

The numbers tell the story of a reliable rather than brilliant racehorse. Seven wins from 31 races works out to roughly one win in every four or five races, and twelve places on top means he finishes in the money — winning or placed — about 61 percent of the time. Most of his racing happens at Class 4, where he has struggled to break through, managing just one win from ten races. But Pontefract suits him, and so does the form he has found recently. He raced just yesterday, so he is an active competitor right now.

Tom Eaves has been his most effective jockey, winning three of their seven rides together — a 43 percent win rate when they team up, which is nearly double Alfa Whiteburd's overall average. That kind of partnership matters. His trainer, Ivan Furtado, is based in South Yorkshire and has been sending out winners all season — 43 of them already — so the yard is in good form. Alfa Whiteburd fits the profile of a horse who has found his level and his favourite course, who performs well with the right rider, and who is clearly still capable of winning races. He may not be heading for the top tier, but he is doing what he does well.