The pattern worth noting is ground and distance. On normal ground conditions, Kitaab has won 2 of 19 races — roughly 1 in every 9 attempts — which is nearly double his overall win rate. Put him down at 5 furlongs to 6½ furlongs, and he has managed 2 wins from 21 races, again a 10% win rate that beats his general form. When those two conditions align, you have a horse who at least has a formula that works a little better than his bare figures suggest.
Trainer Philip Kirby's East Appleton yard in North Yorkshire has been busy this season, sending out 36 winners. Cam Hardie, Kitaab's most frequent partner, has ridden him in nine races without getting a win — a partnership that has yet to click. The horse was last seen just a day ago and remains active, though his form dip over the past six races suggests he is working hard for his chances in a competitive division. At Class 5 level, where Kitaab typically races, he has won only 1 of 12 starts. He remains a horse who threatens to win on his day, but that day does not come nearly often enough.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle Galloping |
10 | 1 win, 1 second, 8 other | 16 Oct | 10% |
| Southwell Galloping |
5 | 1 win, 4 other | 7 Feb | 20% |
| Doncaster Galloping |
3 | 2 thirds, 1 other | 16 May | 0% |
| Chester Tight |
3 | 2 thirds, 1 other | 10 Jul | 0% |
| Wolverhampton Galloping |
3 | 2 seconds, 1 other | 13 Jan | 0% |
| Thirsk Galloping |
3 | 3 other | 5 Jun | 0% |
| chelmsford | 2 | 1 second, 1 other | 29 Mar | 0% |
| Kempton Park Galloping |
2 | 2 thirds | 11 Oct | 0% |
| York Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 26 Jul | 0% |
| Redcar Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 24 Aug | 0% |
| Hamilton Park Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 30 Jul | 0% |
| Lingfield Park Sharp |
1 | 1 second | 22 Mar | 0% |
| Pontefract Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 7 Apr | 0% |