Stoneacre Joe

The recent form tells an interesting story. A pair of second-place finishes suggested a horse on the up, but the last couple of outings have been less convincing, including a fifth and an eighth. That said, it raced just yesterday, so Tim Easterby clearly sees enough to keep it busy and learning.

Speaking of Easterby — the Great Habton yard is one of the most productive operations in the north of England, and this season that reputation is well earned. One hundred and twenty-eight winners sent out is a serious number; that is not a yard guessing, that is a yard that knows what it is doing. When a stable of that size and output keeps a winless horse active and racing, it usually means they believe the breakthrough is coming. Stoneacre Joe may still be waiting for its moment, but it is waiting in very capable hands.