Qitaal

The horse runs predominantly in top-class races, and that tells you something important about his ability—but also his limits. At Class 1 or 2 level, Qitaal has won nothing in 14 attempts, which suggests he consistently finds himself just below the elite. He has recorded 13 places across his career, enough to prove he belongs in competitive company, but not enough to suggest a breakthrough win is coming soon. Trained by Charlie Johnston at Middleham Moor in Yorkshire, Qitaal is ridden most often by jockey Joe Fanning, though their partnership has yielded just 1 win from 13 races together. His recent form—a fifth place, sixth, fourth, third, third, and second across his last six outings—shows he remains competitive but has lost whatever edge he once had. After racing just yesterday, Qitaal is clearly still being campaigned actively by his yard, even if the wins have dried up. On fast, dry ground he struggles; on softer surfaces, he occasionally reminds the yard why he is worth keeping in training.