Vervain

The real picture emerges when you look at what Vervain does well. Over the longer distances — anything from a mile and six furlongs upwards — the horse has a win rate of 17 percent (1 from 6), which is roughly double its career average. This is a horse that gets better the further you go. Recent form has been patchy (finishing 16th, 9th, 4th, 5th, 2nd, and 4th in the last six races), but that second place three starts back shows Vervain is still competitive. Jockey Gary Carroll, who rides the horse most often, has won on Vervain once from six outings together, suggesting they have built a decent understanding even if the results haven't come.

David Harry Kelly's yard at Rathvin in County Tipperary has been in good form this season with 13 winners already, and Vervain remains active — it raced just a day ago — so the team clearly believes there's more to come. The wait since July 2025 will be tested soon enough. This is a horse that thrives at distance and has shown it can win; the question now is whether another breakthrough is brewing.