Norman Fletcher

What makes Norman Fletcher interesting is what happens when conditions and distances align. On slightly soft or muddy ground, he wins at nearly triple his overall rate — 2 wins from 7 races, or roughly 29 per cent — and he is far more dangerous over the longer trips typical of jumping: 3 wins from 11 races between 1 mile 6 furlongs and 2 miles, a win rate of 27 per cent. Put him in a Class 3 race on his preferred surface at a suitable distance, and the odds improve noticeably. The real spark comes when he runs for his regular jockey, Sam Twiston-Davies: together they have won 4 of 12 races, a win rate of 33 per cent. That partnership clearly brings out the best in him.

Norman Fletcher is trained by Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies at Naunton in Gloucestershire, a yard sending out winners at a steady clip — 62 this season. Though Norman Fletcher has not won in nearly two years, he remains active and was last seen just a day ago. For a patient owner or a punter looking for a profile rather than a short-term winner, the question is simple: get him back on soft ground, over his preferred distance, with Sam aboard, in a Class 3 race, and there is genuine value to find.