Belsito

The horse has a clear preference for wet or muddy ground, winning 3 of 6 races (a 50% win rate) when conditions are testing — the kind of track that sorts horses into those that enjoy a battle and those that don't. Even more striking is his dominance at Hamilton Park, where he has won 4 of 7 races, a course record that marks him out as a genuine specialist. He was last successful there just four weeks ago, suggesting the track still suits him perfectly. Trained by Kevin Ryan at Hambleton in North Yorkshire, a yard that has sent out 45 winners already this season, Belsito remains an active competitor, having raced just a day ago.

The slight concern is his inconsistency in recent form. In his last six races, he has won twice but also suffered a pair of finishes well down the field, which hints at a horse who can be unpredictable on unfamiliar ground or in slightly stronger company. He typically races at Class 5 level, where he has won 2 of 16 races — a tougher proposition — and his regular partner Tom Eaves has managed just 2 wins from 18 rides together. For punters and followers, Belsito is the classic track-dependent horse: brilliant when conditions and the venue align, ordinary when they don't.