Saddadd

What stands out most is what he does at Sandown Park. He has won 2 of his 3 races there, which is the kind of record that makes trainers plan their whole season around a venue. Some horses simply take to a particular track — the shape of the bends, the way the ground sits — and Sandown appears to suit Saddadd down to the ground, especially when there is some moisture in it. Roger Varian, who trains him out of Newmarket and has sent out an impressive 87 winners already this season, has spoken about the horse needing a bit of cut underfoot, and Sandown in soft conditions seems to bring out the best in him.

Varian clearly holds him in high regard. He described Saddadd as a horse he expects to reach a new level this season, and noted that his physical build suggests he should keep improving with age — that is exactly what you want to hear about a four-year-old with only eight races under his belt. There has also been some thought about stepping him up in distance to a mile and a half, though after his Sandown run the feeling was that he does not need to go that far just yet. What is particularly striking is Varian's description of his temperament: so relaxed and easy to handle that, in his words, his five-year-old daughter could lead him to the start. In racing, a horse that saves its energy for the race itself rather than burning it in the paddock is a genuine asset.

Currently racing at Class 2 level — one step below the very top races in Britain — Saddadd has won 2 of his 3 races at that grade. If he continues to improve as Varian expects, a crack at the very best company may not be far away.