Chicago Critic

What makes Chicago Critic worth watching is what he showed earlier in his career. Ridden by Ben Coen, the pair have won together at a 19% rate—three wins from sixteen races—which suggests real partnership chemistry. More telling still is Chicago Critic's form at certain distances: over 1 mile 1 furlong to 1 mile 2 furlongs, he has won three of ten races, a 30% win rate that marks him out as a horse with clear preferences. Even more striking is his record at Naas: he has won twice from four races there, and his first career victory came at that track in October 2023. Naas clearly suits him, and with Ben Coen in the saddle, that combination is worth remembering when he next runs there.

Chicago Critic is trained by J P Murtagh at Coolaghknock Glebe in County Kildare, a yard that has sent out 53 winners this season and clearly knows how to get horses ready. With the horse still racing regularly and still capable of finding places, there is time yet for a return to the winner's circle—and when it comes, look for it at Naas, over his pet distance, with the jockey who brings out his best.