Thickthorn Tom

The horse has won 4 of his 15 career races, a win rate of roughly 1 in every 4 attempts. That is respectable without being brilliant, but what stands out is where those wins come from. He is a genuine specialist at Newton Abbot, where he has won twice from four races — a win rate of 50 percent at that track alone. His most recent win came there on 27 August, just three weeks ago, so the form is hot and the confidence is genuine. Away from Newton Abbot, however, he has a tougher time. In Class 4 races — the kind of competitive mid-tier contests where the best horses gather — he has yet to break through, going zero for four. This suggests he is a horse who thrives at smaller meetings but will need to be handled carefully if stepped up in grade.

Thickthorn Tom races for Dan Skelton's yard at Alcester in Warwickshire, one of the most successful training operations in Britain. Skelton's horses have already sent out 198 winners this season alone, so the infrastructure and know-how are there. The horse raced just a day ago, which means he is currently in active work and being kept busy. For a horse who has found his stride recently, that is exactly where you want to see him — in racing condition, competing regularly, and winning enough to pay his way. The next logical move might be to return to Newton Abbot, where he owns the track, or to find another smaller meeting that suits his style. Class 4 races can wait.