Midnight Tango

The numbers hint at where Midnight Tango's strengths might lie. Over middle distances of 5 furlongs to 6½ furlongs, the horse has managed 1 win from 7 races, a rate of about 1 in 5 — noticeably better than the overall record. But step up to the very top class of racing, and the picture darkens immediately: 0 wins from 5 attempts at that level. Trainer Ed Walker, whose Upper Lambourn yard has produced 76 winners this season, is clearly thinking differently about how to get the best from Midnight Tango. Rather than chasing high-class company again, Walker has spoken about returning to basics and testing the horse in the Commonwealth Cup Trial at Ascot — a significant step down in grade that makes sense given the recent form. She has noted that Midnight Tango possesses genuine speed, the kind of attribute that works better in a race suited to the horse's ability. With a recent run just yesterday, the horse remains actively campaigned, and there is still time for another breakthrough before the season closes.