Ivynator

The real clue lies in his performance over longer distances. When racing at 1m6f to 2m — the extended middle distances — Ivynator has won 1 of his 9 outings, putting him at an 11% success rate over that range. That is nearly three times better than his overall record, and it suggests that a proper gallop suits him far more than a short, sharp dash. His trainer has indicated that quick, firm ground and shorter trips work against him, noting that back on a straight track over simpler terrain, the horse can show better form. Ivynator has been active recently, having raced just a day ago, and his last six efforts have been unrewarding — finishing out of the money each time — but the diagnosis from the yard points toward the type of race and conditions as the culprit rather than any terminal decline. For a horse competing at the lower levels of the sport, that kind of insight offers at least the possibility of better days to come.