Winchurch

Look at the last six races and the picture gets even sharper: three wins from six, with results reading 1-4-1-6-1-4 from most recent back. That alternating pattern of wins and quieter days is worth noting — Winchurch seems to come out firing, then needs a run to find its rhythm again, then fires once more. Whether that is by design or just how the horse is built, it is producing results. Six wins from 30 career races overall is a solid record at this level, and three of those have come in the last six outings alone.

Dry, fast ground is clearly when Winchurch means business. On those conditions it has won 3 of just 7 races — that is 43%, nearly twice its overall rate. Wet or muddy ground tells a different story, so keep an eye on the forecast before getting too excited about any upcoming run. The horse typically competes in Class 5 company, which is mid-to-lower tier racing, and wins 3 of every 11 races at that level — a rate of 27%, comfortably above average for that grade.

The trainer behind all this is Michael Appleby, based at Oakham in Rutland. His yard has sent out 71 winners already this season, which marks it out as one of the busier and more productive operations around. Jockey Alistair Rawlinson has been the regular partner, riding Winchurch in 13 of its 30 races and winning on 3 of them — a win rate of 23%, which edges above the horse's overall average and suggests the combination works. Winchurch kicked off its winning career at Southwell back in April 2024, and has been quietly building a reputation ever since. A course specialist in form, with a trainer firing on all cylinders — there is plenty here to catch the eye.