Soca Star

Trained by Seb Spencer at Malton, Soca Star runs in good company at Class 2 level, the top tier of British racing. That's notable. The yard itself has sent out 13 winners this season, so Spencer clearly knows how to get horses to the line first. But Soca Star hasn't managed it yet, despite three Class 2 attempts. Jason Hart, the jockey who rides most often, has partnered the horse five times without a win either. With racing clearly suiting the horse—10 places in 14 races means Soca Star finishes in the frame more often than not—the question becomes whether this is simply a horse that isn't quite quick enough, or whether the pieces just haven't clicked yet. Still, having raced just a day ago, the horse remains active and in work. At three years old, there is still time, though the early pattern suggests Soca Star may be one of those honest, consistent performers that consistently comes close without ever getting there.