Pride Of Place

The partnership with jockey Charlie O'Dwyer tells a similar story. In nine races together, they have two wins—a 22 percent win rate that again towers above Pride Of Place's baseline. O'Dwyer clearly understands how to ride this horse, and when the two line up together on a suitable surface, they represent genuine value. Trainer E Bolger's yard at Bruree, in County Limerick, has been productive this season with 14 winners to date, suggesting Pride Of Place remains in a stable that knows how to prepare a runner for the moment that matters.

What makes Pride Of Place interesting is not a fairy-tale story but a horse that is actively racing and has shown it can win in the past four months. The recent form reads 12–3–1, which means a couple of runs out of the frame bookended by a decent showing. At seven, this is a horse still trying, still getting chances, and still capable of finding the winners' circle when the ground turns in its favour and the right rider is aboard. For a horse earning its place in a competitive yard, that is exactly what you want to see.