Gardener

The most striking thing about Gardener is what he does at Hexham. He has won 2 of his 3 races at that track, which means he turns up there and wins more often than not. For context, that kind of record at a specific course is unusual — most horses win perhaps 1 in 7 or 8 races on average, so winning 2 from 3 anywhere is the sort of number that makes people pay attention. His most recent win came there just three months ago, in April 2026, so this is not ancient history. He is a horse in current form.

His best racing is done over longer distances — between a mile and six furlongs and two miles — where he has won 3 of his 8 races, a win rate of 38%. That compares sharply with his record at the distances he races most often, where things are tougher. Sowersby has been candid that Gardener is operating near the top of his weight range in his usual class of race, but the trainer believes a fair mark will bring another win. Given that Gardener has won 2 of his last 6 races and raced as recently as yesterday, that assessment does not look unreasonable.

One curious footnote: his most regular jockey, Lewis Stones, has ridden him five times without a win between them. Both of Gardener's recent victories have come with presumably different riders aboard. That is not necessarily damning — horses and jockeys sometimes just do not click — but it is worth watching who gets the leg up next time.