Sterling Knight

His trainer Ed Dunlop, based at Newmarket, knows him well — "he's won ten times for us," Dunlop said earlier this year, and described him as "the type to pop up and win a decent race somewhere." That is almost exactly what has happened. Dunlop's yard has sent out 39 winners this season alone, so Sterling Knight is operating in capable hands. The horse's most trusted jockey is David Probert, who has won 2 of their 6 races together — that is 1 in every 3 rides, which is a notably high return and suggests Probert understands how to get the best out of him.

Ground conditions matter with this horse. On normal ground he wins about 3 in every 10 races, which is solid, but on slightly soft ground the numbers jump sharply — 3 wins from just 7 races, a win rate of 43%, or nearly 1 in every 2. Jockey Rhys Clutterbuck described him thriving in those conditions at Haydock, noting he had "plenty in the tank" and idled once hitting the front, waiting for a rival to chase. That detail tells you something about his character — he does not win ugly, he wins on his own terms. Dunlop himself has said he likes some cut in the ground, so softer conditions remain the key to unlocking his best.

Wolverhampton is where it all began, and he remains unbeaten there in the races he has won — 2 victories from just 3 visits. Dunlop described him after Newmarket as "a magnificent servant," which about sums it up. With his recent form showing a win followed by two placed efforts, Sterling Knight looks in fine shape and very much a horse to keep on the right side of.