The real story is location. At Ayr, Imperial Guard is practically unbeatable: three wins from three races, a perfect record that makes him something close to a course specialist. Factor in his preference for the 7-furlong to one-mile distance — where he has won 3 of 8 races (38%) — and suddenly you see a horse that knows how to win when the conditions suit him. He also thrives on fast, dry ground, winning 3 of 9 races (33%) when the track is firm.
Where Imperial Guard struggles is in higher-class competition. At Class 4 level, where he typically races, he has managed just 1 win from 11 attempts (9%), which explains why he remains in moderate company despite his recent purple patch. His form line over the last six races — a win, followed by places at 1-1-5, then a 10 most recently — shows he can be inconsistent. But with a trainer whose yard has sent out 43 winners this season, and given Imperial Guard's proven knack for dominating at Ayr, do not be surprised if he finds the winner's circle again soon, particularly if the yard return him to his fortress and the ground stays good.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kempton Park Galloping |
4 | 1 win, 1 second, 2 thirds | 15 Apr | 25% |
| Newmarket Galloping |
4 | 1 second, 1 third, 2 other | 19 Jul | 0% |
| Ayr Galloping |
3 | 3 wins | 27 Jul | 100% |
| Thirsk Galloping |
3 | 1 third, 2 other | 1 Jul | 0% |
| Doncaster Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 15 Aug | 0% |
| Southwell Galloping |
2 | 1 third, 1 other | 21 Sep | 0% |
| Ascot Galloping |
2 | 1 third, 1 other | 10 Aug | 0% |
| York Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 15 Jun | 0% |
| Carlisle Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 18 May | 0% |
| chelmsford | 1 | 1 other | 28 Aug | 0% |
| Wolverhampton Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 20 Oct | 0% |
| Hamilton Park Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 26 Jun | 0% |
| Pontefract Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 6 Aug | 0% |