The recent run of form makes for tough reading. In its last six races, Imperial Tune has finished eighth, ninth, second, and third, with two results that didn't yield a placing at all. That second and third show the horse is capable of running well, but the more recent efforts — beaten into eighth and ninth — suggest things are heading in the wrong direction rather than building toward a breakthrough.
Sean Flanagan has partnered the horse six times without a win between them, which at this point makes their combination one of the more patient partnerships in the yard. Zero wins from six rides together is a difficult record to defend, though it's worth noting the horse itself has never won in 11 races, so Flanagan can hardly be blamed for the streak.
At 10 years old and still racing — Imperial Tune ran just one day ago — there's something quietly admirable about the horse still being in training and still competing. But with no wins on the board and form that has dipped sharply in the most recent outings, the honest question is whether that elusive first victory is coming or whether the placed finishes are as good as it gets. Three places from 11 races means the horse has finished in the top three just over a quarter of the time, which is enough to keep the yard optimistic, but a win would require a step forward the horse hasn't yet managed to deliver.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cork Galloping |
3 | 3 other | 10 May | 0% |
| Tipperary Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 3 Jul | 0% |
| Punchestown Galloping |
2 | 1 third, 1 other | 27 Jan | 0% |
| Killarney Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 18 Jul | 0% |
| Clonmel Sharp |
1 | 1 second | 27 Feb | 0% |
| Kilbeggan Tight |
1 | 1 other | 15 Jun | 0% |
| Naas Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 5 Jan | 0% |