Pretty Spirited

The partnership between Pretty Spirited and jockey Alec Voikhansky deserves attention. They have paired up eight times, winning twice — a 25% win rate that significantly outperforms the horse's career average. That kind of consistency with one rider often points to a real understanding in the saddle. Trainer Lawrence Mullaney, based near Newark in Nottinghamshire, has not sent out many winners this season, which makes Pretty Spirited one of the yard's brighter spots. Recent form shows mixed results: a win one race back, some placed finishes, and a couple of unplaced runs, which is typical for a horse operating at this level. Pretty Spirited may not light up the record books, but it has found its stride at specific distances and in the right company — and with Voikhansky in the saddle, it gives itself the best chance.