Heretic

Where Heretic makes the most sense is at Class 6 level — the entry-level tier of British Flat racing. In 18 races at that grade, he has won three times, which works out at roughly 1 in every 6, a significantly better return than his overall record suggests. That gap matters. It means he tends to be competitive when the races are pitched right for him, and less effective when asked to do more. The team around him clearly understands this — his wins have come at Newcastle and Southwell, both all-weather tracks that race year-round and suit horses who are consistent rather than brilliant.

His last win came at Southwell on 31 October 2025, now seven months ago, and his most recent six runs read 4-3-8-7-3-2 — two placed efforts bookending a couple of disappointing efforts in the middle. That latest second place, recorded just one day ago, is the most interesting number here. He did not win, but he ran well enough to suggest the long wait for a win might not last much longer.

The partnership with jockey Dylan Hogan is worth noting. In 12 races together, they have won twice — a win rate of around 1 in 6 — which is comfortably better than Heretic's record with other riders. Hogan clearly gets something out of this horse. Trainer Michael Herrington, based in Lincolnshire, has had a productive season with 33 winners already, so this is a yard in decent form. Heretic is not the most exciting horse in the stable, but he is the kind of dependable, low-maintenance performer that keeps a yard ticking over — and with a near-miss already on the board this week, another win does not look far away.