Scarface

His recent form tells the story of a horse still competitive but past his peak. In his last six races, he finished second once and third once, with a couple of unplaced efforts mixed in. He last won six months ago at Newton Abbot, which suggests he is running out of races to win but has not yet lost his way entirely. Most of his career has been spent at Class 2 level, where he has won 2 of 14 races—a 14 per cent win rate at that grade. Brendan Powell, who has ridden him most often, has partnered him to 4 wins from 31 races together, a working relationship that has produced the goods without ever becoming a dominant force.

Trained by Joe Tizzard at Milborne Port in Dorset, Scarface represents the kind of solid, mid-tier performer that underpins any racing yard. Tizzard's operation has sent out 52 winners this season, and while Scarface is no superstar, his Class 1 victory and course dominance at Plumpton mean he has done more than pay his way. At nine years old and still active, he remains a horse worth keeping an eye on at Plumpton in particular—but his best days look to be behind him.