Intense Approach

The real wrinkle is how sharply his record splits depending on who rides him and where he races. With jockey A Harvey aboard, he wins roughly one race in every two (5 wins from 10), which is exceptional — that kind of partnership suggests genuine understanding. Put him in the very top company, though, and he has won none of his three Class 1 races. The trainer, John McConnell, has clearly identified where Intense Approach fits. After the Cheltenham win, McConnell spoke about the Albert Bartlett (a major spring chase for horses stepping up) and mentioned schooling him over fences, suggesting a plan to campaign him as a steeplechaser at three miles. That makes sense: he appears to have jumped better over fences than over hurdles, and the right distance and surface could unlock another level.

The question now is whether he finds his way back to the winners' circle. He raced only four days ago, still active in the yard's plans. The recent form reads as a second-place finish followed by struggles — sixth, 13th, fifth, 16th — which is genuinely poor form for a horse of his winning ability. Something has gone wrong in the last six months. Whether that is injury, a loss of confidence, or simply that he has drifted down the ratings, only time in the ring will tell. McConnell's yard is winning regularly this season, so the infrastructure is there. Whether Intense Approach can recapture the form that won him two Class 2 races and keep a 50% win rate with his best partner depends on what comes next.