Glenfinnan

Michael Dods, who trains him at Piercebridge in County Durham, has been quietly patient with Glenfinnan, as the recent comment from the stable tour makes plain. The trainer saw potential in a fifth-place finish in the Wokingham, a competitive sprint handicap, and has been testing where Glenfinnan might flourish. A quick track at Goodwood recently caught him out, but Dods notes the horse seems to be coming back into form. Harry Angel, his sire, was a speedy miler, which perhaps explains why Glenfinnan prefers a stiff, properly run race at seven furlongs or a mile-plus rather than a quick dash over six.

Beveley is the course where this horse truly shines. He has won 2 of his 4 races there — a rate of 1 in 2 — and claimed his most recent victory there just six weeks ago, on August 12th. Jockey Oisin Murphy, who has ridden him at Ascot and Sandown, has spoken plainly about what suits him: a stiff track, ground with some ease in it rather than something quick, and the chance to travel strongly through the race. Connor Beasley, his most frequent pilot, has won twice aboard him from 13 rides. Coming off the back of a run just a day ago, Glenfinnan is active and still competitive. He may not be a star, but at six years old he knows his business and appears to be hitting a purple patch.