Bulletin

The numbers bear out this reading. Bulletin's most recent run came just a day ago, and over his last six races he has placed in four of them — twice finishing second. He tends to run better over slightly longer distances, between a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half, where he has won 1 of 7 races (14%), suggesting he may need that extra ground to be at his best. His trainer specifically noted he performed well at Glorious Goodwood when stepped up in distance, finishing third, and has mentioned that Bulletin appreciates a bit of give in the ground — the kind of softer, wetter conditions that suit some horses far better than others.

Rob Hornby, his most frequent jockey, has a slightly better record in the saddle with Bulletin than the horse manages overall, with 2 wins from 11 races together (18%). That's a hint that the right pilot and the right circumstances can coax more from him. Portman's yard is in healthy form this season with 46 winners already sent out, so Bulletin is not being neglected or left to drift through an underperforming operation. There remains the possibility that a softer track, a longer trip, and a bit of luck might yet get him back to the winner's enclosure.