The recent form figures of 7-4-3-2-4-2 tell an interesting story. Two second-place finishes in the last six races suggest Star Noir is running into form, even if the win has not come yet. A seventh-place finish is the worst of it, but the overall picture is of a horse gradually finding its feet at this level — not embarrassing itself, not dominating, but edging closer. Racing just one day ago, this is a horse very much in the middle of its season.
Jockey Billy Garritty has been the regular partner, riding Star Noir in five of its six races without a win between them. That is a partnership still searching for its breakthrough moment, though the placed finishes show the combination is not without merit. Trainer Michael and David Easterby, based at Sheriff Hutton in North Yorkshire, run a busy and productive yard — 55 winners on the board this season is a serious number that speaks to a stable in good health. When a yard is firing at that rate, a horse like Star Noir, running consistently at Class 5 level, will get plenty of opportunities to find the right race.
Class 5 is the entry-level tier of British racing, and Star Noir has raced there four times without winning. The question the team will be asking is whether a slight drop in the quality of opposition, or a change in conditions, might be the key that unlocks that first victory. At three years old, there is time. Plenty of horses take a while to figure it all out, and the improving trend in those recent form figures at least gives the trainer something to work with. The win has not come yet — but Star Noir is not going away quietly.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverley Undulating |
2 | 1 second, 1 other | 4 May | 0% |
| Catterick Bridge Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 28 Oct | 0% |
| Newcastle Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 22 Nov | 0% |
| Hamilton Park Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 12 Aug | 0% |
| Redcar Galloping |
1 | 1 second | 16 Sep | 0% |