Starakova

The horse won her first race at Wolverhampton in late April, then stayed quiet through the summer before striking again at Southwell on 6 August. She has now won 2 from 12 races overall — a win rate of roughly 1 in 6 — which is modest on paper, but the timing matters. She has shown she can win on normal ground, where she has recorded 2 victories from 5 races (a 40% win rate that stands out). She also performs consistently well over distances between 1m1f and 1m2f, winning 1 of 3 races at that trip. These are the conditions and distances where she looks most dangerous.

Warren Greatrex's Upper Lambourn yard has been prolific this season with 50 winners, so Starakova is in a strong training operation. The puzzle is her record in higher-class races: she has failed to win in four attempts at Class 5 level, suggesting she may be better suited to stepping down to easier company where she can add to her tally. Fresh off a win and with clear course for success on her preferred ground and distance, Starakova looks ready to strike again soon.