Thequietman

Trainer Simon Waugh has been trying to solve the puzzle. Thequietman was an expensive prospect when purchased at a breeze-up sale, and he showed some genuine form in Ireland before moving to Britain, including a second-place finish in a decent race at Leopardstown. The problem, according to Waugh, is temperament. The horse has a tendency to race too keenly — getting excited and burning energy early — which works against him in a finish. Waugh's plan has been to start him off over a mile on easy, wet ground, conditions that might suit a horse who needs to settle and travel smoothly rather than get wound up. With the yard having had only a single winner all season, there is a sense that this is a patient, building operation rather than a stable hitting on all cylinders. Thequietman races actively and remains a work in progress, but his recent form suggests he may need a significant change of approach — or possibly a different surface or distance — to finally get that elusive first win.