The key to Quercus's success is simplicity: he runs best on normal ground conditions. On good or standard turf, he wins about one race in every three-and-a-half attempts, nearly double his overall win rate. Give him fast, dry ground or soft, muddy ground, and his chances drop sharply. That makes him predictable in the right circumstances — a horse whose trainer and jockey can study the forecast and know whether conditions will suit him.
Joe Fanning, his most frequent partner, has ridden him in 12 races and won three of them. That 25% win rate with Fanning is substantially better than his record overall, which hints that the jockey understands how to get the best from him. Ann Duffield's yard has sent out seven winners this season, a modest tally that reflects the modest level at which Quercus operates — but consistency at that level is no small thing.
His recent form reads 10-1-5-6-5-12, suggesting a horse who still turns up to race but is hitting a normal rough patch. At nine years old and a long way from his peak earning days, Quercus remains active and worth watching whenever he heads to Catterick on normal ground with Fanning in the saddle.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catterick Bridge Sharp |
23 | 6 wins, 5 seconds, 12 other | 17 Oct | 26.1% |
| Newcastle Galloping |
7 | 1 win, 6 other | 20 Apr | 14.3% |
| Thirsk Galloping |
4 | 1 second, 3 other | 2 Jul | 0% |
| Carlisle Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 13 Jun | 0% |
| Redcar Galloping |
1 | 1 third | 27 Aug | 0% |
| Wetherby Galloping |
1 | 1 second | 19 Jun | 0% |
| Ripon Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 1 Jun | 0% |
| Doncaster Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 8 Sep | 0% |