Marvelman

What makes Marvelman genuinely interesting, though, is how he performs with his regular jockey. Oisin Murphy has ridden him six times, and they have won together twice — a 33% win rate that is nearly double his overall win rate. That kind of partnership suggests they work well together, and it hints that when the pieces fall into place, this horse can deliver. In contrast, his recent form has been mixed. His last six races tell the story: a third, two runs outside the placings, a runner-up finish, a win, and a sixth-place finish. That sixth was only a day ago, so he is clearly still racing regularly and the yard is keeping him active.

A M Balding's Kingsclere yard has been in fine form this season with 202 winners sent out, so Marvelman is part of a successful operation. At Class 1 level specifically, he has won 1 of 6 races, which is solid without being spectacular. He remains a horse worth watching when he runs, especially if Murphy is in the saddle. The 11-month gap since that Doncaster win may explain some of the inconsistency in recent form, but he has clearly retained enough ability to be competitive and to earn a place in races at the sport's highest domestic level.