Perfect Part

Since that June day nearly two and a half years ago, though, Perfect Part has struggled to recapture that form. She has not won again, picking up three places from her remaining 19 races. Her recent six runs tell the story: fifth, seventh, 22nd, second, fourth, and sixth. That second place is the best she has managed lately, and it was only in her last race. Over shorter distances—five to six and a half furlongs—she wins roughly one in every eight races (1 win from 8), which suggests those sprint trips suit her better than longer races. The problem is that when she steps up to top-class Class 1 racing, which is where her record has been tested most often, she has won zero from six attempts.

Brian Ellison's Norton yard has been prolific this season with 43 winners, but Perfect Part has not been one of the success stories. Regular jockey Ben Robinson has ridden her six times without a win. She is still active—last racing just a day ago—but the gap between that bright Beverley victory and where she finds herself now is a long one. Perfect Part had her moment; the question now is whether she can find another.