Calli Black

The numbers tell a tough story. From 16 career races, Calli Black has won just one and picked up three places, a return that works out to roughly 1 win in every 16 outings. When competing in Class 5 races—the lower tier of the sport—it has managed 1 win from 7 attempts (14%), which at least shows the horse can find its feet against similarly modest opposition. With jockey James Davies, who has ridden it 14 times, the partnership has produced just that single victory. Trainer David Weston, based at an undisclosed yard, has had limited firepower this season and will be hoping Calli Black can find some consistency.

What is striking about Calli Black is the length of time since that June win at Worcester. Sixteen months is a long drought, and the recent form—five runs producing two fifths and three sevenths—suggests the horse is struggling to compete even among modest company. Still, it remains active and in racing, which speaks to the genuine effort of those involved to keep finding opportunities. At 8 years old, Calli Black is not getting any younger, but horses of this profile sometimes find a race that suits them and deliver a surprise. For now, it is a horse treading water at the bottom of the scale.