Eben Zaabeel

Trainer A. J. Martin, based at Summerhill in Co. Meath, has been quietly bullish about Eben Zaabeel's prospects, describing him as a proper galloping type who improves with every outing. Martin reckons he is likely a mile-and-a-half horse at least, and there was genuine encouragement in how he shaped up at Yarmouth earlier this year. The yard itself is having a solid season with thirteen winners already. Jockey Jim Crowley has ridden him seven times without success, which may or may not mean much—sometimes a partnership simply does not quite click. What matters now is whether Eben Zaabeel can find the consistency that separates occasional winners from reliable ones, particularly over the distances where his galloping style seems best suited. At five years old, he is entering what should be his peak years, and if Martin's reading of his temperament and ability is correct, there may be more days like Downpatrick to come.