Never The Same

The colt broke through at Naas just this week, on 3 August, and that victory came at a crucial moment in his recent form. His last three races tell the story: a win, followed by fourth place, then eighth. So after the high of winning at Naas, the next two outings have been tougher — a pattern many young horses experience as they step up in class or encounter stiffer competition. He raced just a day ago, which means he is an active runner and clearly being campaigned regularly by his yard.

Never The Same is trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien at Owning Hill in County Kilkenny. O'Brien's yard is having an excellent season, having sent out 160 winners already, so the horse is in the hands of a high-volume operation with proven form. For a 3-year-old with only three races under his belt, there is still plenty of potential to develop, and his recent win at Naas suggests he has the talent to compete at a decent level.