Sights Unseen

The recent form tells a familiar story: a fourth place last time out, then a tenth, a sixteenth, a fifth, a ninth, and a second in the race before that. These are the results of a horse that occasionally threatens to win — that second place is a reminder it can get close — but more often than not finds something better on the day. Ridden most regularly by Alix Balfe, Sights Unseen has won just one from 12 races together, a rate that reflects the broader struggle. Trained by Dermot A McLoughlin at Bodeen in Co Meath, the horse continues to race despite the long drought since that single victory. The yard itself has sent out 10 winners this season, so there is no lack of talent in the operation, but Sights Unseen simply has not been able to add to its tally. At 7 years old and still racing just days ago, the horse is active, but the gap between now and that last win grows longer with every outing.