Shallow River

The horse runs best when the ground is wet or muddy. Over 7 races on such conditions, he has won 2 of them — a 29% win rate that stands out sharply against his overall form. He is also most effective over longer distances between 1 mile 6 furlongs and 2 miles, where he has won 2 of his 5 attempts, a 40% success rate that points to real strength at that trip. Trained by Olly Murphy at Wilmcote in Warwickshire, Shallow River has been partnered most often by jockey Paddy Brennan, who has taken 2 wins from 8 rides together — a respectable 25% return from their pairing.

His recent form shows a horse still capable but inconsistent: a win, a third place, a sixth, a third again, a fifth, and a seventh over his last six races. He raced just a day ago and remains actively campaigned, so there is still time for Shallow River to add to his modest tally. At 10 years old and with three decades of racing experience, he has settled into a rhythm at Class 2 level, where his record stands at 2 wins from 6 races. He may never develop into a headline act, but on soft ground and at his preferred distance, Shallow River has proved he can beat quality opposition.