Scathach

The recent form is a mixed picture. A third-place finish two races ago was the clear highlight, and it at least suggests Scathach can threaten when conditions fall right. But either side of that, the runs have been disappointing — finishing sixth twice and pulling up on two other occasions. That's a lot of races without much to show for them, and at six years old, time is no longer on this horse's side.

What makes the situation slightly more interesting is where Scathach is trained. Ross O'Sullivan's operation has sent out 40 winners already this season, which puts it firmly among the productive yards in Ireland. That kind of output — roughly a winner every few days through the season — suggests the team knows how to place horses and get the best out of them. If Scathach hasn't won yet, it isn't for lack of professional support. The question is whether the yard can find the right spot for a horse that has shown just enough to keep the yard hopeful, but not enough to suggest a breakthrough is coming easily. Raced just yesterday and clearly still in active campaign mode, the search for win number one continues.