Further Measure

The real story with Further Measure lies in his specialisms. He is a genuine mudlarker: on wet or muddy ground, he has won 3 of his 10 races, a 30% win rate that stands out sharply against his overall record. Put him on fast, dry ground and his chances narrow considerably. He also has a clear preference for longer distances—at 1m6f to 2 miles, he has won 6 of 30 races, a 20% return that makes him most dangerous when given room to settle into his stride. At Southwell, a track that often serves up the slow ground he loves, he has won 3 of 10 races, marking him as a genuine course specialist. In Class 6 races—the basement of the handicap ladder—he has won 4 of 19, which neatly encapsulates where he competes best.

Trainer Mike Murphy, based at Westoning in Bedfordshire, has saddled him for all his career, and together they have built a workable partnership. Jockey Liam Keniry has ridden him most often, winning 2 of 14 races at 14%, fractionally below the horse's overall rate. Nothing about Further Measure screams brilliance, but he is a professional, a horse who knows his job and delivers in his pocket races. The trick for his the yard is reading the ground, the distance, and the track correctly. Get those three things right, and Further Measure will give you value.