Striking A Pose

Two wins from just six races at Exeter is genuinely impressive. To put that in context, Striking A Pose wins 1 in 3 races at that track — far better than its overall record would suggest. Tizzard has said openly that the horse just seems to love it there, and the evidence backs that up. A post-race quote after one Exeter win painted a vivid picture: ears pricked the whole way round, not a foot put wrong. Some horses sulk at certain tracks, others come alive — Exeter clearly brings out the best in this one.

Wet ground helps too. On soft conditions Striking A Pose has won 2 from 10 races, a 20% win rate — wins 1 in 5 — which is well clear of its overall figures. Tizzard has noted that genuine soft ground around two miles and four furlongs feels like the sweet spot. The horse has a bit of class about it, he says — enough speed to travel comfortably at that trip, with the option to step up to three miles in future if needed.

Most of those 38 races have come at Class 3 level — one of the more competitive tiers in British racing — where it has won just 1 from 17. That's a tough grade to operate in consistently, and the handicapper hasn't made life easy. Brendan Powell has been in the saddle for 17 of those races and won once together, which reflects how competitive the races have been rather than any shortage of effort. The yard itself has been in excellent form this season, sending out 58 winners, so Striking A Pose is operating within a confident, well-organised team.

Most recently, Striking A Pose won at Newton Abbot just six weeks ago — and raced again only yesterday. At ten years old, still winning, still active, and still with a trainer who believes the best trips and conditions are understood: that's a horse that has found its level and isn't done yet.