Gower Prince

The horse's breakthrough came almost two and a half years ago at Wincanton, and he found the winner's circle again just this week, claiming victory at Market Rasen on 15 August. That win is significant because it shows he can still get the job done. He races most often at distances between 1m6f and 2m, where he's won once from seven attempts—nearly double his overall win rate. Over longer distances, he's more at home. When he's stepped up to top-level company in Class 4 races, though, he's struck out completely: ten attempts without a win there. He's a horse that needs the right level, and he seems to find it in the slightly less competitive races where he can use his experience.

Sam Twiston-Davies has been his usual partner, though the partnership hasn't been prolific—one win from eight rides together. Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill trains him from Cheltenham, running a yard in excellent form this season with fifty-one winners already sent out. For a horse in his eighth year with a modest record, Gower Prince is still earning his keep and still winning. He's the kind of honest, journeyman performer that forms the backbone of racing's lower levels: not spectacular, but still fighting.