His recent form shows he is still active and trying. In his last six races, he finished fourth, then missed the top three, then ran fifth, then won, then finished 13th, and most recently third. That third-place finish came just a day ago, so he is racing regularly and clearly capable of finding the frame — he has finished in the top 3 in more than a third of his races overall. The problem is converting those solid efforts into victories. His sole win came on fast, dry ground at Cork in May; finding the conditions that suit him again might be the key.
P J Rothwell's yard at Tinahely in County Wicklow has sent out 35 winners this season, so Moon Mission is in the hands of a trainer who knows how to get horses to the winner's circle. Tiernan Power Roche, who rides him most often, has done well aboard him too — winning 1 of his 6 races together, a better rate than Moon Mission manages overall. The partnership works, and if they can get him back into the groove, another win is within reach. He is the sort of horse that might surprise you on the right day with the right ground.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thurles Undulating |
3 | 1 third, 2 other | 20 Dec | 0% |
| Punchestown Galloping |
3 | 1 third, 2 other | 14 Oct | 0% |
| Tramore Sharp |
2 | 1 third, 1 other | 1 Jan | 0% |
| Killarney Sharp |
2 | 2 other | 17 Jul | 0% |
| Cork Galloping |
1 | 1 win | 10 May | 100% |
| Navan Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 20 Sep | 0% |
| Wexford Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 27 May | 0% |
| Ballinrobe Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 26 May | 0% |