Zebra Star

For much of her career, Zebra Star was quietly underperforming, and it turns out there was a reason. Her trainer, R Mike Smith, based out of Galston in East Ayrshire, discovered she had a sinus problem. She had an operation to fix it, and the difference has been noticeable. She grew physically over the winter too — about an inch and a half, which for a racehorse is significant — and Smith has talked about her simply maturing as a horse. A previous trainer, George Boughey, flagged early that wet or muddy ground was the real key to unlocking her, and the numbers back that up: on soft ground she has won 2 from 4, a 50% win rate that is genuinely striking for a horse with her overall record.

Her best trip is 7 furlongs to a mile, where she has won 2 of 14 races — a 14% win rate, more than twice her overall average, suggesting the step up in distance suits her far better than shorter. Her most recent win came at Ayr in July 2025, and Smith was notably more excited about her that day than his other runner. "This mare has changed," he said afterwards, pointing to the surgery and her physical development as the turning point. He sees her as a horse that can compete off a rating in the mid-60s, which would represent a step up from where she has spent most of her career.

Regular jockey Amie Waugh has yet to get her head in front in five attempts together, and recent form — nothing better than fourth in the last six races — means Zebra Star is still searching for that next win. Smith's yard has been in strong form this season with 25 winners, so the support is there. She raced just yesterday, which tells you she is fit and being kept busy. Whether the ground comes up soft enough at the right moment may well decide whether her record reads three wins or four before the season is out.