Ode To Joy

The recent form tells a mixed story. A third and a fourth in the last two outings show some improvement after a rough patch that included finishes of tenth, thirteenth, eleventh, and tenth — races where Ode To Joy was largely making up the numbers. Those back-to-back top-four finishes are at least a sign of something stirring, even if the winning post remains some way off. The horse raced just six days ago, so McLernon clearly has an active campaign in mind.

The yard itself has been quiet this season, sending out just one winner, which gives some context to where Ode To Joy sits — this is a small operation, and expectations are managed accordingly. Whether the recent uptick in form signals a horse finally finding its feet, or just a couple of good days, remains to be seen.