Pass The Buck

The recent form tells an interesting story. Pass The Buck was second just a month ago, then third, then placed fourth, then third again before a disappointing eighth last time out — a run that came only yesterday, keeping the horse actively campaigned. That dip to eighth is notable given the flashes of promise before it, and raises the question of whether the horse is genuinely improving or simply having spotty luck. Three months have passed since the sole win at Fairyhouse, which is a long time for a young horse to be chasing another victory.

Harry Derham's yard at Upper Lambourn has been prolific this season with 57 winners, so the trainer clearly knows how to get horses to the line. Whether Pass The Buck fits into that winning formula remains to be seen. For now, it is a horse with decent form — second and third place finishes suggest it belongs in competitive company — but one that needs to convert those near-misses into wins to justify the ongoing investment in racing.