Dynamite Defense

The partnership with jockey J M Sheridan has produced nothing from six attempts together, which is not the kind of record that inspires confidence on either side. Dynamite Defense does show its best form over a mile and a furlong to a mile and two furlongs, winning one from six races at those distances — a rate of 17%, or roughly one in six — which is a notably better hit rate than elsewhere in its career, even if the overall numbers remain modest. At Class 4 level, the horse has drawn a blank from three races, which suggests it is finding that tier of competition a tough ask rather than a comfortable home.

The one genuinely positive thread here is the trainer. Olly Murphy's yard at Wilmcote in Warwickshire has sent out 144 winners this season, which is the output of a stable operating with real momentum and serious intent. Murphy is not someone who runs horses without a plan, and the fact that Dynamite Defense remains in training at five, with a break just taken, suggests the team believes there is still a race to be won somewhere. Whether that faith is rewarded is another matter — but at its best distance, on a good day, this horse has shown it can do it. It has done it before. It just needs to find that day again.