Roger Pol

The partnership between Roger Pol and jockey Gavin Sheehan is worth noting. When Sheehan is in the saddle, they win together at a striking 45 percent rate—5 wins from 11 races. That kind of connection doesn't happen by accident; it suggests the jockey has learned how to get the best from this horse. His trainer, Jamie Snowden at Lambourn, has described him as making up in heart what he lacks in stature, and praised his jumping ability when he won on his chasing debut at Southwell last season. The yard itself is thriving, having sent out 82 winners this season, so Roger Pol is part of a stable in good form.

His recent pattern shows a horse who has hit a quieter spell—two wins from his last six races, with finishes of 1-1-7-6-9-8 in reverse order—but he remains active and competitive. At Uttoxeter, where he seems to run well, he has won 2 of 6 races, suggesting that track suits him. Roger Pol may not be fashionable or eye-catching, but he has proved he can win races and handle the jump game. For a horse his size, that is genuine achievement.