Punxsutawney Phil

The horse's sweet spot is Class 4 racing, where he has won 3 of 21 races (14%), demonstrating he belongs at that level. His last victory came at Newcastle on 13 February 2025 — nearly two years ago now — suggesting his winning days may be behind him, though his recent form hints at something worth watching. Over his last six races, he has picked up a couple of places, most notably a second place and a third, which indicates he can still run into a frame even if the wins have dried up.

Jamie Hamilton has ridden Phil twice with a 22% win rate in the saddle (2 wins from 9 races together), suggesting a good understanding between horse and rider. Mark Walford's yard has been prolific this season with 35 winners, so Phil has the infrastructure and horses around him to learn from. At nine years old and still racing, he represents the kind of consistent, unglamorous campaigner that forms the backbone of racing — not destined for the big stage, but honest and useful to those who stick with him.