Rock Of England

The most striking feature of Rock Of England's record is its dominance at Hamilton Park, where it has won 2 of just 3 races — a remarkable win rate for any horse at any track. There is clearly something about that course that suits this one, whether it's the track layout, the type of racing there, or simply the fortune of being aimed at the right opportunities at the right moment. Having won most recently at Ripon on 31 August — this week — Rock Of England is plainly in form and Midgley's team appears to be striking while the iron is hot.

Rock Of England tends to run in Class 4 races, the kind that sit a couple of rungs below the top tier. In those 15 outings at that level, it has managed 2 wins, which is a more modest return than its overall record suggests. This tells you the horse has likely found easier pickings in other race types. Interestingly, jockey David Nolan, who has ridden Rock Of England eight times, has yet to find the winner's circle aboard — a stat that speaks to either bad luck, bad timing, or perhaps a mismatch in partnership. With the horse firing on three wins in six, and the yard enjoying a strong season with 39 winners sent out already, Rock Of England appears to be exactly the kind of live, well-trained runner that could strike again at any of its next few opportunities.