Little Pi

Sam Allwood's horse at Whitchurch is ridden most often by Stan Sheppard, who has found a real understanding with Little Pi. Together they have won twice from eight races, a 25 per cent win rate that suggests they bring out the best in each other. His most recent victory came at Huntingdon back in February, and while eight months without a win might suggest he is struggling, his recent form tells a more nuanced story. In his last six races, he has finished second three times — consistently competitive but just not quite getting there when it matters. That is the pattern of a horse who belongs at this level and can trouble the winners on the right day.

The challenge now is whether Little Pi can rediscover that touch. He has won only three times since his career started in late 2023, and that slow accumulation suggests he is at or near the ceiling of what he can achieve. But a gelding who places regularly in Class 5 races, especially when conditions suit and Sheppard is in the saddle, still has value. The fact that he raced just yesterday shows he is genuinely active and being kept busy by his trainer — a good sign that Allwood still sees enough to run him.