Rod Millman's yard at Kentisbeare in Devon has sent out 42 winners this season, but Optimatum has not been one of them this year. The horse runs best over a mile and a tenth to a mile and a quarter — distances where it has won 1 of its 9 races, a modest 11% win rate that at least suggests it has found its ideal trip. Where Optimatum really struggles is in Class 5 races, the toughest grade of the three it has contested; it has won none of its 8 attempts at that level, suggesting it belongs in easier company. Its recent form shows a second place just over a week ago, sandwiched either side by a pair of ninth-place finishes, which sums up the horse nicely — capable enough to threaten on its day, but a long way from consistent.
Optimatum was still racing just yesterday, which means it remains very much in active work and in the hunt for a second career win. At 15 months without a victory, the clock is ticking, but horses at this level can surprise when conditions suit. If the yard finds the right race — softer ground, a smaller field, and a shorter distance within its preferred range — there is at least a realistic chance that Optimatum will get its second win.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwell Galloping |
3 | 1 second, 2 other | 26 Sep | 0% |
| Leicester Sharp |
2 | 1 win, 1 third | 5 Jul | 50% |
| Redcar Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 5 Nov | 0% |
| Kempton Park Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 15 Sep | 0% |
| Salisbury Undulating |
2 | 2 other | 21 Aug | 0% |
| Newmarket Galloping |
1 | 1 second | 1 Aug | 0% |
| Wolverhampton Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 5 Apr | 0% |
| Newcastle Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 22 Nov | 0% |
| Nottingham Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 7 Aug | 0% |
| Lingfield Park Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 4 Aug | 0% |