What makes the situation more interesting is where this horse is being trained. Andrew Balding's yard at Kingsclere in Hampshire has sent out 202 winners already this season — a remarkable volume that puts it among the most productive operations in the country. When a yard is firing at that rate, the horses coming through it tend to be well-prepared, and young horses in particular benefit from being around a team that clearly knows what it's doing. Pure Grit isn't a winner yet, but it's being pointed in the right direction by people who are very good at their jobs.
At just two years old, there's plenty of time. Horses this age are still physically developing, still learning how to race, still figuring out what's being asked of them. Finishing second in both career outings — rather than trailing home at the back — suggests Pure Grit is competitive and engaged, not simply making up the numbers. The fact that it raced as recently as yesterday means the yard are keeping it busy, which usually signals confidence that the horse is thriving.
The win will come, or it won't — but right now, Pure Grit looks like exactly the kind of young horse worth keeping an eye on as the season unfolds.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chester Tight |
1 | 1 second | 30 May | 0% |
| Newbury Galloping |
1 | 1 second | 15 May | 0% |