Brandt

His form over the past six runs tells the story of a horse still trying to piece things together. He was placed as recently as last time out, which suggests he is competitive enough to get close even when he does not quite get the job done. Trainer Cian Collins, based at Navan, knows him well—Brandt won on his first run for the yard back in August 2024, and Collins has been clear that luck has played a part in his record. The trainer reckons Brandt should have won at least once more since then; he fell in one race and in another got to the front too soon and lost momentum. That kind of commentary from someone who sees him every day matters far more than a simple win tally.

Collins has bigger plans too. With the Ulster National—a proper test at Downpatrick in about a month's time—on the horizon, there is a sense that Brandt's profile might improve. A big horse who jumps well is exactly the type to thrive in that kind of race. For now, he remains active and competitive, ridden regularly by Jordan Gainford. He may never be a headline-maker, but he is the kind of horse that keeps showing up and occasionally reminding the yard that he belongs in a race.