Epictetus

What is striking about Epictetus is his ground preference. He has won 2 of 6 races on wet or muddy ground, a 33% success rate that stands out as genuinely impressive. On fast, dry ground he is still effective but less dominant, with 2 wins from 10 races (20%). That kind of split is useful information for anyone watching him run — he is a horse built for racing when the going is testing. He also seems to have a preferred distance window. At middle distances between seven furlongs and a mile, he has won 1 of 3 races (33%), suggesting that is where his engine runs most efficiently.

Recently, Epictetus is showing real signs of form. He won at Sandown Park on 6 August 2026 — six weeks ago — and has picked up a third place and a second place in his last six races, showing he remains competitive and active. He raced just a day ago, confirming he is still in work with trainer J A Osborne at Upper Lambourn. Osborne has sent out 48 winners this season, so the yard is in good order. That said, Epictetus has never won with his most frequent jockey, Saffie Osborne, across nine races together, which is a puzzle. A horse with this much proven ability at the top level deserves consistency — and the next time he runs on testing ground at his favoured distance, he could easily be dangerous.