That said, the most recent form does show a flicker of something. A third-place finish two runs ago breaks up what had otherwise been a string of mid-pack and tail-end efforts — positions of 11th and 10th in those early races, followed by a 5th, then that creditable third, before dropping back to 8th and 6th in the most recent two outings. It is not a clean upward curve by any means, but that third place suggests there is at least a baseline of ability in there somewhere.
What adds an extra layer of uncertainty is the fact that Auntie Lacey has not raced in roughly five months. A break of that length can mean almost anything — a horse can come back sharper and refreshed, or it can take a run or two to find full fitness again. First time back from a long absence, you simply do not know which version you are going to get.
The trainer is Paul Nolan, based at Enniscorthy in County Wexford, and his yard has sent out 23 winners already this season — a solid operation that clearly knows what it is doing. That Nolan keeps running Auntie Lacey suggests he believes there is a race to be won somewhere with this horse, even if it has not shown up yet. Sometimes a trainer sees things in a horse at home that the track has not yet had the chance to confirm.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wexford Sharp |
2 | 2 other | 8 Aug | 0% |
| Leopardstown Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 3 Mar | 0% |
| Thurles Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 30 Oct | 0% |
| Downpatrick Undulating |
1 | 1 third | 14 Jul | 0% |