Law Degree

That Ripon win came just over two months after Law Degree's first career success at Beverley in July 2024, so there was a brief moment where things looked promising. Since then, the results have gone quiet. The last six runs read 11-8-4-7-9-5 — plenty of racing, but nothing to show for it at the finish line. Ten places from 35 races tells you this horse is competitive enough to be in the mix, just not quite able to get its nose in front.

Where Law Degree does show a genuine spark is on wet or muddy ground. Two wins from nine races in those conditions gives a win rate of about 1 in every 4 or 5 races — noticeably better than its overall record — and that is the kind of pattern that means something. When the skies open and the ground gets soft, this horse becomes a different proposition. Its best distance appears to be somewhere between a mile and a furlong and a mile and two furlongs, though even there the numbers are modest: one win from ten races at those trips.

David Allan has been the regular partner, riding Law Degree in 12 of its races and picking up both career wins in the process — a win rate of around 1 in 6 rides together, which is a decent connection between horse and jockey. The fact that both wins have come with Allan in the saddle is worth noting if you're watching for signs of an overdue return to form. With a wet day, the right trip, and Allan booked — Law Degree is at least worth a second glance.