She's On The Ball

Her sole victory came at Cork in September, and she has raced five times since without managing another win. Her recent form dips and rises unpredictably — a second place just days ago, but before that a run outside the top three and some modest efforts further back. At three years old she is still learning, and these kinds of fluctuations are not unusual as a young horse finds her feet.

Laura Hourigan's Patrickswell yard is a small operation — six winners sent out this season — so every runner matters. She's On The Ball raced only yesterday, suggesting the yard sees promise worth keeping her in action. With the racing tempo steady and the ground conditions varying, a horse that has shown she can finish in the top three over her preferred distances will get further opportunities. For now she is a horse on a learning curve, but the Cork win proved the ability is there.