Rare Times

The overall record stands at 1 win and 3 places from 6 races, a win rate of roughly 1 in every 5 attempts. Three other runs have brought places, which means Rare Times is competitive more often than not, even if the wins have been slow to arrive. The recent pattern is revealing: after last week's breakthrough at Down Royal, the horse ran once more and finished fifth, then seventh, then fifth again — a dip in form that can happen after a big effort. Before that breakthrough, though, there were places at the track, suggesting Down Royal suits the horse.

Rare Times is trained by Margaret Mullins at Goresbridge in County Kilkenny, a yard that has already sent out 6 winners this season. The trainer will be hoping that first win is a turning point — the horse is clearly capable of finishing in the money, and now that it has won once, it may have the confidence to do so again. Still at four years old and still racing, there is time for Rare Times to add to that tally.