Rathgar

What's most striking about Rathgar is his recent form. After winning at Epsom Downs four months ago, he picked up two wins in his last six races, including a Class 2 victory at Great Yarmouth in late July. That win at Yarmouth was particularly impressive: Class 2 races are among the most competitive in Britain, and Rathgar has only managed 1 win from 11 attempts at that level, so breaking through in such company showed genuine quality. His last three races have all resulted in placings, finishing third, ninth, and first, suggesting he remains competitive and was raced just yesterday.

Jack Channon's West Ilsley yard has given Rathgar a steady platform — the trainer has sent out 46 winners this season alone, indicating a yard firing on all cylinders. David Probert, his most frequent jockey, has ridden him 11 times and won twice aboard him, a rate of roughly one win in every five rides together. That's a solid partnership, though Probert clearly gets the best from Rathgar when the horse is in the right form. At six years old, Rathgar is in his prime, and his recent resurge of form suggests the yard has found the right races and conditions to bring out his best.