Mento

The horse won at Kilbeggan on 31 May, nearly two months ago now, which remains Mento's sole victory to date. Since then, the form has been rough: over the last five races, the results read 13th, 6th, 1st place (a placement), 13th, and 7th. That is the pattern of a horse still finding its feet, running hot and cold in a way that suggests either inconsistency of effort or the simple fact that it has not yet settled into a winning rhythm. The 6th place finish and placement show there is ability there — those are respectable efforts — but the pair of 13th place finishes alongside them are the kind of runs that frustrate trainers and owners alike.

Thomas Cooper, based at Tralee in Co Kerry, trains Mento and is having a solid season with eight winners sent out from the yard so far. The trainer will be hoping Mento's breakthrough win at Kilbeggan proves the start of something rather than a flash in the pan. Mento raced just yesterday, which means the horse is in active training and clearly being given chances to break through again. For a horse at this early stage of its career, consistency is everything, and Mento has not quite found it yet — but the win is there in the record, which means it is entirely possible.