The key detail is distance. Over 2 miles or more, Silent Guardian is a different animal entirely. In 5 races at that range, there has been 1 win — a win rate of 20%, or 1 in every 5 races. That is nearly three times the horse's overall average, and it strongly suggests that getting plenty of ground beneath its feet is when Silent Guardian really comes alive. Shorter trips appear to have been the wrong tool for the job for much of its career.
Recent form shows a mixed picture — finishing 4th, 6th, 9th, 7th before that winning run into 1st, followed by a 6th last time out. The step back after the win is worth watching, but the horse raced just yesterday, so whatever happened last time out is very fresh. Anthony McCann's yard in Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan has sent out 7 winners this season, which shows this is an active and capable operation — not a barn that simply enters horses and hopes for the best. When McCann spots the right opportunity, his horses deliver. The question now is whether he can find Silent Guardian another race over a long trip that suits — because when the distance is right, this horse clearly has a genuine chance of winning again.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Curragh Galloping |
3 | 3 other | 30 Aug | 0% |
| Dundalk Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 26 Nov | 0% |
| Cork Galloping |
2 | 1 third, 1 other | 3 Jan | 0% |
| Roscommon Sharp |
2 | 1 third, 1 other | 18 May | 0% |
| Clonmel Sharp |
1 | 1 win | 26 Mar | 100% |
| Leopardstown Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 19 Oct | 0% |
| Fairyhouse Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 3 Feb | 0% |
| Ballinrobe Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 11 Apr | 0% |
| Navan Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 6 Dec | 0% |