Fort Augustus

The real clue to Fort Augustus's preferences is in the ground and distance. He wins on normal conditions at a rate of 1 in 6 races (17%), which is respectable, but struggles dramatically elsewhere. Over distances between seven furlongs and a mile, he has won 2 of his 8 races (25%) — nearly double his career win rate. Yet when he steps into Class 5 races, he has not won a single race from 8 attempts. This suggests he is a horse for smaller fields and less competitive company, and his trainer has learned to place him accordingly.

Fort Augustus's recent form has been uneven. His last six races show two wins sandwiched among unplaced runs, most recently finishing a distant tenth just a day ago. His last victory came at Southwell five months ago in May, and he was last in the winners' circle before that in early April — also at Southwell. The horse is still active and still racing, so there is clearly life left in him yet. For a modest performer, two wins in a season and a known winning formula at a familiar track is not nothing. Wallis will be hoping for another Southwell opportunity in the right conditions sooner rather than later.