Sonigino

Sonigino has won 5 races from 21, which works out at roughly 1 in every 4 — a solid record at the level he competes at. He races almost exclusively in top-tier company, lining up in one of the best two classes of race nine times and winning twice, a 22% win rate that reflects a horse operating near the ceiling of his ability and still holding his own. His two Class 2 victories — at Huntingdon in February 2023 and at Aintree in December 2023 — showed he could deliver on the big occasions. Aintree in particular prompted Nicholls to describe a horse that had grown up mentally, more relaxed, more willing to travel and conserve energy. Jockey Harry Cobden, who has won 4 of the 12 races they have ridden together — a win rate of 1 in 3 — put it plainly after Huntingdon: "Whatever Sonigino does over hurdles is a stepping stone to fences."

That step came after a season on the sidelines following some setbacks, but Sonigino returned in the autumn of 2025 in good shape, and he has rewarded the patience. His win at Fakenham just four weeks ago shows a horse in form and still competing. Critically, he is at his best on normal ground, winning 3 of his 6 races in those conditions — half of everything he has run on it. When the ground is right and the distance is there, he is a different proposition.

He is also a genuine course specialist at Chepstow, winning 2 of his 3 races there — the kind of record that makes you look twice at the racecard whenever that course comes up. His recent form of 3-1-10-3-12-12 shows a horse who can blow hot and cold, but the last two outings suggest momentum is building. A nine-year-old with his best racing potentially still ahead of him — that is the unusual, quietly compelling story Sonigino represents.