Primoz

The puzzle, though, is that Primoz is not a horse without strengths. At Ayr, he is genuinely special: three wins from just four races is the kind of record that suggests a course made for him. He also thrives on wet or muddy ground, winning at better than 40%, picking up three victories from seven races when conditions are testing. Derek Fox, who rides him most often, has a partnership that yields a 27% win rate — roughly one win in every four races — suggesting real understanding between jockey and horse. The real battleground is at Class 3 level, where Primoz wins a third of his races, indicating he belongs in competitive company.

What makes Primoz genuinely intriguing is how Lucinda Russell, his trainer, describes him: "one of the most talented horses we've dealt with," yet someone who struggles with consistency and needed a change in training routine to unlock his best self. The yard, based in Perthshire with 49 winners already this season, clearly has the firepower to get the best from him. Russell has even suggested stepping him up in trip might reveal another gear, and there is genuine optimism that his recent jump racing performances — particularly over obstacles — may finally be the key to unlocking what everyone can see is there. When Primoz is good, he is very good indeed. The challenge is getting him good more often.