Hatamoto

The pattern becomes clearer when you look at ground conditions. Hatamoto thrives on fast, dry ground, winning two of its three races on such surfaces—a 67 per cent win rate that suggests the horse has genuine preference, perhaps even physical preference, for firm footing. Tim Easterby's yard at Great Habton has been in flying form this season with 128 winners, and it seems the trainer has learned to play to Hatamoto's strengths. The horse has been racing actively and found form recently, winning two of its last six starts, including that Thirsk victory. It raced just yesterday, so it is still very much in work.

Hatamoto broke its duck at Beverley in July and has since picked up more than half its wins on just two courses—Beverley and Thirsk. This isn't a horse likely to light up the big occasion, but it is plainly a useful asset in the right conditions and the right place. The next time ground forecasts look dry and Thirsk is on the card, Hatamoto will be worth watching.