Qaasid

His trainer John Joseph Hanlon, based in Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, has described him as a horse that is almost impossible to criticise — he tries every single time. That counts for something. Hanlon's yard has sent out 11 winners already this season, and Qaasid fits the profile of a horse who quietly contributes to that kind of steady, well-organised operation. His best work tends to come on artificial surfaces rather than turf, and his numbers at a distance of one mile three furlongs to one mile four furlongs tell a clear story: 4 wins from 14 races at that trip, a win rate of 29%, or close to 1 in every 3. Finding the right conditions and the right distance clearly matters enormously with this horse.

When jockey Graham Lee has been in the saddle, the results have been notably sharp — 2 wins from just 6 rides together, which works out at 33%, or 1 in every 3. That is a meaningful partnership, and it suggests Lee understands how to get the best from him. His most recent win came at Doncaster in July 2024, and his first career victory was at Southwell on a December evening in 2022 — both on artificial surfaces, both confirming the pattern. He races most often at Class 4 level, one of the mid-tier grades, and has won 3 of his 11 races there.

He has not won in his last six races, and his recent form shows a couple of placed efforts mixed in with some quieter outings. But he raced just one day ago, so he is clearly still fit, still active, and still in the mix. At eight years old, Qaasid is not going to surprise anyone with a dramatic reinvention. What he will do is show up, give his best, and remind you why honest, consistent horses quietly earn their place in any yard.