Star Of Jupiter

What makes Star Of Jupiter mildly interesting is how its form clusters. Over middle distances—races of a mile and a furlong to a mile and two furlongs—it wins roughly 1 in every 7 races (1 from 7). That is markedly better than its overall record and hints that this is where the horse is most likely to be dangerous. In Class 6 races, its natural level, it has won 1 from 14 (7 per cent)—still modest, but at least three times better than its bare average. Its recent form suggests it is treading water: fifth, second, fourth, sixth, fifth, second in its last six outings. That second-place finish came just yesterday, which means the horse is still actively racing and apparently still capable of running well enough to pick up minor placings.

Mark Loughnane's yard at Rock Farm in Worcestershire has sent out 25 winners this season, so the trainer has a workable operation. Star Of Jupiter may never win again—18 months without a victory is a long drought—but it remains a horse that occasionally threatens to finish second or third. For a five-year-old with just the one win to its name, that modest consistency might be exactly what keeps it in work.