Desert Of The Sea

Recent form tells the story of a horse stuck in a pattern. In the last six races, there have been two placed efforts — a second and a third — sandwiched between some well-beaten runs. The most recent outing was just a day ago, so this is an active horse still being campaigned, still being given chances. The horse typically races in Class 6 company, the lower tiers of the sport, and has never managed a win at that level across three attempts.

Trainer T G McCourt, based at Stamullen in County Meath, has had a decent season with 13 winners sent out already, so the yard is not without form. Whether Desert Of The Sea will ever add to that tally is another question. Twenty races is a reasonable sample size, and the complete absence of a win alongside occasional placed efforts suggests this horse may simply not have enough pace or finishing kick for victory. At 5 years old, if it hasn't won by now, the window for improvement is narrowing. Still, for a horse that keeps turning up and occasionally threatening to get in the frame, there may be one more race somewhere with its name on it.