Somersby Roost

What is mildly encouraging is the recent trajectory. The last five races, reading from most recent back, go 3-4-7-6-5 — so a third and a fourth in the two most recent outings after a run of mid-pack finishes. That is a small upward curve, and it at least suggests Somersby Roost is finding its feet rather than going in the opposite direction. It raced just eight days ago and is clearly being kept busy, which usually means the team believes there is something worth chasing.

Jockey Phillip Enright has been on board for all five of those races without managing to get the horse into the winner's enclosure, so the partnership is still searching for a breakthrough together. McKiernan's yard has sent out four winners this season, so the operation is capable of getting horses ready to win — Somersby Roost just hasn't been one of them yet. At six years old, time is not on its side, but horses can and do find their level with experience. The next few races will tell a lot about whether those improving placings are the start of something or simply the natural variation of a horse that finds winning just out of reach.