Nakamura

The most telling detail in Nakamura's profile is what happens when the ground gets soft and wet underfoot. On those conditions, the record reads two wins from just three races — that is better than two in three, which is a quite extraordinary conversion rate. Most horses find a ground preference eventually, but rarely one this pronounced. When the rain comes and the ground softens up, Nakamura becomes a very different proposition.

The partnership with jockey Ben Coen has been the most productive combination so far. Together they have won 2 of their 7 races — roughly 1 in every 3.5, or 29% — which is a healthy return and suggests a genuine working relationship worth watching. Trainer J P Murtagh, based at Coolaghknock Glebe in Co Kildare, has had a productive season with 53 winners already sent out from the yard. That kind of output does not happen by accident — it reflects a well-run operation, and a horse that fits into it comfortably is in good hands.

The first win came at Navan in August 2025, followed by a second at Cork in late September. That Cork win is now nine months ago, and Nakamura has gone through six races since without returning to the winner's enclosure — including a run just yesterday. The recent form reads 12th, 2nd, a blank, 7th, 8th, and 4th, which is a mixed picture. The second place shows the ability is still there, but consistency has been harder to find. With soft ground coming, the right race on the right day, and Ben Coen in the saddle, Nakamura is the kind of horse that could easily put that losing run to bed without much warning.