Ascending

What makes that Ascot victory remarkable, though, is how it came about. De Bromhead had originally planned to run Ascending in a longer race over a mile and three-quarters, but a late change saw him entered in a mile-and-a-quarter contest instead. He won at odds that reflected his modest reputation. The trainer's comments afterward revealed a shrewd bit of problem-solving: Ascending had been schooled over hurdles and was thought to be a jumper in the making, but he never took to it. Rather than persevere with something that wasn't working, De Bromhead switched him back to the Flat, and the move has produced results. Over shorter distances—between a mile and one furlong and a mile and two furlongs—Ascending has won 1 of 3 races, a 33% win rate that stands out against his 14% record in typical Class 4 races.

The complication is recent form. His jockey Rachael Blackmore, a rider of genuine quality, has not found the answer either: she has ridden him six times without a win. Raced last just over a day ago, Ascending remains an active competitor, but the long drought since June raises questions. De Bromhead's recent plans suggested moving him back over hurdles in the winter, betting that Ascending might find success jumping after all. Whether that gamble works, or whether there is still a win left on the Flat, remains to be seen. For now, he is a veteran of the lower ranks in need of a breakthrough.