Two Stars

The real story lies in the partnership between Two Stars and its jockey J M Sheridan. Sheridan has ridden the horse 8 times and won 3 of those races — a success rate of 38 percent, significantly better than the horse's overall record. That kind of working relationship, where one rider finds extra from a horse others don't, is worth noting. The trainer, J A Stack, runs a yard at Golden in Co. Tipperary that has been in fine form this season, with 12 winners already sent out. Two Stars also shows a distinct preference for The Curragh, where it has won 2 of its 6 races there, a rate that suggests the track suits its running style.

With the horse active and racing as recently as a day ago, Two Stars remains a competitor. It may be six now, but the evidence of those three wins in the last six races proves there is still speed and appetite in this horse. For anyone watching Irish racing, it is worth keeping an eye on when Two Stars lines up next.