Grandlad

What makes Grandlad interesting is how sharply his record splits depending on the conditions and the company. On normal ground, he is a different horse — winning 4 of his 7 races on that surface, a win rate of around 57%. Switch the going heavier or faster, and he looks ordinary. He also shows a clear preference for Goodwood, where he has won 2 of his 5 races there. But put him in Class 3 company, the bread and butter of most horses at his grade, and he has never won in 11 attempts. The Hamilton victory in Class 2 stands out as an anomaly; he seems to excel when racing at the highest level open to him, yet struggles in the tier just below.

Adam Farragher has been Grandlad's most frequent partner, combining for 4 wins from 15 races together — a 27% win rate that beats the horse's overall average. James Horton's Newmarket yard has had a productive season with 20 winners to date, and Grandlad remains in active work despite the recent dip in form. Whether he can find his way back to the winner's circle will depend on the trainer pitching him right — ideally on normal ground at a course that suits him, and ideally back at the higher class level where he has proven capable of winning.