Woodleigh

Roger Fell's yard at Nawton trains a prolific operation—they have sent 25 winners out this season—and Woodleigh fits the profile of a horse that the trainer knows how to place to advantage. The key to getting the best from Woodleigh is ground and distance. Over his favoured middle distances of 1m3f to 1m4f, he wins roughly 1 in every 3 races (3 wins from 9), which is significantly better than his overall record. He also performs better on slightly soft ground, where he has won 2 of 10 races (20%), suggesting he appreciates a bit of give underfoot rather than a fast, firm surface. Jockey Zak Wheatley has ridden him 14 times, though that partnership has only produced one win, so the connection does not appear to bring out his best. At the lower class levels where Woodleigh competes most often, he has won just 1 of 12 races (8%), which underlines that he is a modest racehorse by professional standards. His recent form has been erratic—a win five races ago, but finishes well outside the placings mixed in with that—suggesting he remains inconsistent. Still, for a horse who took until May 2024 to record his first win, the fact that he has since accumulated five victories tells you he has found his level and his winning formula.