Rumstar

The horse's relationship with Newmarket is particularly telling. He has won two of his three races there, which tells you something about how well he handles that track. He also thrives on normal ground—winning four of his 12 races on standard conditions, a 33% win rate that is markedly better than his overall record. Trainer Jonathan Portman, based at Upper Lambourn, has noted that Rumstar returned this year heavier and in better physical condition than in previous seasons, a shift that seems to be translating into results.

His most recent win came at Sandown in July, a Class 1 victory that came after some setbacks elsewhere. Portman explained that Rumstar had run poorly at Haydock, while at Royal Ascot he hit the front too early and ended up struggling in the final stages. The Sandown win felt like a return to form partly because of the ride. His regular jockey Rob Hornby, who has partnered him four times for three wins, threaded a needle in the final furlong—a gap that rarely opens at that track—and guided him through to victory. For any sprinter, Portman noted, everything has to align on the day, and on this occasion it did. Rumstar is at his best when the setup suits him and the jockey knows how to use his strengths.