Crossbar Getaway

The recent form makes for interesting reading. Across the last six races, Crossbar Getaway has finished second twice and third and fourth once each, sandwiched around a couple of disappointing runs back in ninth. That pattern — flash of promise, then a backward step — is the kind of thing that keeps the yard optimistic and frustrated in equal measure. A horse finishing second repeatedly is not a bad horse; it is a horse searching for the right opportunity.

What works in Crossbar Getaway's favour is the yard behind it. Gordon Elliott's operation at Longwood in County Meath is one of the powerhouses of Irish racing, and this season alone the team has sent out 210 winners. To put that in perspective, that is roughly four winners every week. When a trainer of that calibre keeps a horse in training, it usually means they still believe there is a race to be won. Elliott has a long track record of placing horses patiently, and Crossbar Getaway raced just yesterday, suggesting the team is actively searching for that elusive first victory.

The question now is whether Crossbar Getaway can convert. Eight races without a win is a notable wait, but three places show this is not a horse simply making up the numbers. The right race, on the right day, may still be ahead.