Mark's Choice

The numbers tell the story of a horse who has earned his keep without ever quite becoming a star. He has won 5 of his 43 races overall — a 12% win rate — and placed in 15 others. At Class 4 level, where he typically competes, he wins roughly one in every four races (4 wins from 17), which shows he sits at just about the right level. His jockey William Pyle has ridden him in eight races, winning once, though that broader partnership seems less important than what Tutty has learned about how to use him best.

The horse's recent form has been patchy — he has not won in his last six races, and was only just last raced a day ago — but age and circumstances matter here. Tutty has spoken warmly about the joy Mark's Choice brings to his owners and how he comes alive at Ripon in a way he does not elsewhere. He has also hinted that a minor wind issue was addressed before his last outing. For a horse of his vintage still racing actively, Mark's Choice has become more than just a competitor. He is a crowd favourite with a particular gift for one track, the kind of horse that reminds people why they love racing in the first place.