Dickensian

The key to his success appears to be ground and company. On normal racing conditions, Dickensian wins roughly half his races — two victories from four attempts — which is a genuinely strong win rate at this level. Put him in top-class company, however, and he struggles: he has never won a top-tier race from four attempts, suggesting he sits most comfortably in Class 2 races where he can compete. Shane Gray, his regular jockey, has ridden him seven times and won on him twice, a 29% win rate that hints at a strong partnership. Kevin Ryan's Hambleton yard has sent out 45 winners already this season, so the horse is in competent hands, but Dickensian will need to prove he can progress further to become anything more than a steady, mid-tier campaigner.