Moulin Booj

Across a career of 42 races, he has won 7 times and placed a further 20, giving him a win rate of roughly 1 in every 6 races — solid rather than spectacular, and the record of a horse who earns his keep at a consistent level. His recent form, however, tells a more exciting story: back-to-back wins in his last six outings before a couple of quieter efforts, suggesting a horse who hits form in clusters. Trainer George Scott has been candid about the fact that Moulin Booj has had a significant number of issues along the way, but that those problems are now behind him — which makes the current purple patch feel all the more earned.

On fast, dry ground, he becomes a different proposition entirely. He has won 3 of his 9 races in those conditions — 1 in every 3 — compared to a more modest overall record, which suggests his trainer will be keeping a close eye on the forecast. Jockey Callum Shepherd has been the man most often in the saddle, riding him 14 times and winning 3 of those — roughly 1 in every 5 rides together, which is a strong partnership by any measure.

Scott's ambitions for the horse extend beyond his current level. He has suggested that sprint races give Moulin Booj the best chance of competing at a higher grade — the gaps between horses are simply smaller over shorter distances — and has even floated Epsom as a potential target. That would be a significant step up. But for a horse who has spent much of his career quietly piecing things together at Class 4 level, the trajectory right now is pointing upward, and George Scott's yard, which has already sent out 51 winners this season, clearly has the firepower to aim higher.