Finnians Row

What makes Finnians Row tick is its preference for normal ground conditions. On standard surfaces it wins roughly 1 in every 3 races — 4 wins from 12 starts — a figure that drops significantly in other ground. This is the kind of detail that matters enormously to trainer Dermot McLoughlin at Bodeen in County Meath, who will have learned by now exactly when to pitch the horse in. The yard has had a productive season with 10 winners so far. Patrick M O'Brien has been the horse's regular rider, winning 2 of their 12 races together at a 17% rate, better than the horse's average.

Recent form shows Finnians Row still competitive: it has won 2 of its last 6 races, including that June success at Downpatrick, with two other placed efforts in the mix. The horse raced just a day ago, which confirms it is being kept active in its veteran years. For a 10-year-old, that kind of racing schedule and a willingness to keep competing speaks to a tough constitution. Finnians Row may never be a star, but it has proved itself a reliable operator over the years, particularly when conditions and location align in its favour.