What stands out is Zermatt Star's preference for races run at around a mile and a quarter. Over distances between one mile one furlong and one mile two furlongs, the horse has won one from five races, a win rate of one in five that is significantly better than its overall record. That winning race last week at Ripon suggests the horse is still improving and capable of finding the winners' enclosure regularly if it stays within this distance range. The recent form has been patchy—two places in the last six runs, but also a tenth and a tenth, mixed in with some midfield efforts—but Zermatt Star raced just yesterday, which means the yard clearly sees enough in the horse to keep it active and race-fit.
Tony Coyle and Kaine Wood's Norton yard is a steady operation that has sent out a dozen winners already this season, so they are not learning on the job. That suggests they will find the right spot and distance for Zermatt Star to capitalize on what already looks like a distance sweet spot. For a three-year-old with just one win under its belt, this horse is far from a lost cause.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ripon Sharp |
1 | 1 win | 1 Sep | 100% |
| Carlisle Undulating |
1 | 1 second | 9 Sep | 0% |
| Chester Tight |
1 | 1 other | 12 Sep | 0% |
| Southwell Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 6 Aug | 0% |
| Roscommon Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 11 May | 0% |
| Gowran Park Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 20 Oct | 0% |
| Hamilton Park Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 17 Jul | 0% |
| Cork Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 4 Apr | 0% |
| Punchestown Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 16 Sep | 0% |