Lipstick Traces

What makes the breakthrough interesting is that Lipstick Traces has been genuinely active lately. Over the last six races, it has finished first twice (including this week's win), placed fifth twice, and seventh once — a run of form that suggests the horse is starting to find its feet just as it reaches an age when many racehorses are already settled into their role. Justin Landy's yard at Leyburn has fielded only three winners all season, so getting one across the line matters.

The caveat is that Lipstick Traces still struggles in higher-grade company. It has never won in top-tier Class 4 races, posting a record of no wins from five attempts at that level. This suggests the win at Sedgefield, while genuine and hard-earned, came in a more modest contest. That said, for a horse that spent its first five outings without a win, finally getting the monkey off its back — and doing it in the past week — is progress worth noting. Whether Lipstick Traces can now build on this and make the step up remains the question.