Sarmiento Power

What gives a little encouragement is where Sarmiento Power does its best work. Over longer distances — from a mile and six furlongs up to two miles — it has won 1 from 6 races, which works out at roughly 1 in every 6 attempts at those trips. That's a meaningful jump from its overall record of 1 in every 19, and it tells you the horse at least has a preferred set of conditions that can bring out a better performance. Patience is clearly a virtue with this one.

Robbie Colgan has been the regular partner in the saddle, riding Sarmiento Power in 8 of its 19 races and being on board for its only win. He wins about 1 in every 8 rides on this horse — modest, but he knows it better than anyone. The yard is Matthew J Smith's operation in Kilmessan, County Meath, and they've had eight winners on the board this season, so the team is ticking along. Sarmiento Power raced just yesterday, which means it's firmly in the middle of an active campaign, even if the results haven't been kind lately. For now, this is a horse that rewards the patient follower rather than the casual punter — one to keep an eye on when the trip is long and the ground suits.