Reaching High

What makes him worth watching is the kind of race he wins. He performs best over longer distances, from a mile and six furlongs to two miles, and has won 1 of his 3 races at that trip — a win rate of one in three that stands out sharply against his overall record. His most recent victory came at Listowel this week, on 25 September, suggesting he is currently in form and still improving. His first win arrived at Wolverhampton in August last year, so he took thirteen months between opening his account and his second success. That patience may finally be paying off.

Trained by W. P. Mullins at Muine Bheag in County Carlow — a yard that has sent out 215 winners this season alone — Reaching High has the infrastructure behind him to keep improving. However, his form in Class 4 races tells a cautionary tale: he has won none from 4 attempts at that level, suggesting he may struggle if asked to step up in class. Richard Kingscote has ridden him five times without a win, though the most recent six races show a second place and a ninth, indicating the horse is still competitive. For a five-year-old who has only just notched his second career win, there is still time for him to find the right niche.