Pioneer Pete

Trained by Jonjo and A J O'Neill out of Cheltenham, Pioneer Pete is part of a yard that has been in fine form this season, sending out 52 winners — a serious number that reflects genuine strength in depth. That kind of environment tends to suit horses who need time and patience, and Pioneer Pete looks like exactly that type.

His recent run of form reads 2-1-3-4-2-2 — that one in the middle, the Wetherby win five weeks ago, surrounded by a string of placed efforts. The trainer has been open about the fact that Pioneer Pete probably wants a trip of around two and a half miles to show his best, but has been racing at shorter distances while the team works out how best to place him. At Market Rasen he was a touch keen and chased home a horse the trainer rates well. At Exeter, he bumped into another smart rival and still ran respectably. These aren't excuses — they're context. A horse who keeps finishing second and third against decent company is a horse who hasn't really been found out yet.

At the level he has been competing at, Pioneer Pete has yet to win — all three races at that grade have ended without a victory. His win at Wetherby came at a slightly less demanding level, which matters. It suggests there is a ceiling still to test, and whether he can break through it when the trip gets longer will be the interesting question. He raced just yesterday, so the yard clearly think he is in good enough shape to keep him busy. A horse who stays sound, stays consistent, and gets the right conditions could yet surprise a few people.