L' Evangeliste

What makes L'Evangeliste's record especially striking is how recently it all clicked into gear. His first career win came at Limerick in March 2025, and from that point the form has been a steady upward curve. His last six races read 1-1-2-7-1 — three wins, a runner-up, one blip, and a blank before that. That seventh-place finish looks increasingly like a footnote. His most recent victory came at Fairyhouse in late November, one of Ireland's most respected tracks, which is exactly the kind of place where better horses tend to show up.

McNamara has a clear picture of where this horse is happiest: two and a half miles or more, on wet or muddy ground. He's been running well enough on faster, drier surfaces, but the trainer believes the ideal conditions unlock something extra. That kind of specificity from a trainer is useful — it tells you they know this horse well and are managing him carefully rather than just pointing him at races. After the Fairyhouse win, McNamara mentioned a possible step up in trip at Limerick on St Stephen's Day, over nearly three miles, and noted that jumping fences rather than hurdles is on the long-term agenda too.

A horse with three wins from seven career races, improving form, a trainer who sends out winners at a serious clip, and a clear plan for what comes next. L'Evangeliste is one to watch as the winter ground softens up.