Rosato

What Rosato does have is a clear preference that trainers can exploit. On soft, wet ground, this horse transforms: two wins from four races on those conditions (a 50% win rate) is genuinely impressive and suggests the mud brings out something Rosato lacks on firmer footing. That aptitude is the key to getting the best out of him. Jockey N G McCullagh has partnered Rosato frequently—17 times, in fact—and their record together mirrors the horse's overall form: 2 wins from those 17 races.

Charles Weld's Newbridge yard has had a modest season with just one winner, so Rosato is not operating in an environment bristling with success stories. Still, at five years old and with those recent second-place finishes, this horse remains active and presumably still capable of better days. The next wet-ground opportunity may well be when Rosato's chances come around again.