Littlefoot

The real story emerges when you look at the conditions. Littlefoot absolutely thrives on soft, wet ground, winning 2 of its last 3 races on such surfaces — a 67% win rate that towers above its career average. On normal or faster going, it struggles to stay competitive, suggesting the horse either handles heavy conditions better than its rivals or simply dislikes racing on firm ground. That is valuable knowledge for the yard planning entries. The most recent victory came three months ago at Kilbeggan, and there are signs of form: Littlefoot has won 2 of its last 6 races and placed in one other, so it is not a horse in decline. Raced yesterday, it remains active and busy in competition.

Trainer M A Molloy, based at Thurles in Tipperary, has sent out just four winners this season, so Littlefoot is doing better than many in the small Irish yards. The horse usually runs with Liam McKenna in the saddle, though results together have been modest — one win from 11 races between them. That suggests either the partnership does not click, or simply that McKenna draws the tougher assignments. For a horse that needs every advantage when the ground does not suit, the yard will be waiting for the next wet spell before expecting Littlefoot to deliver again.