Star Noir

The most recent six runs tell a mixed story. After the Catterick win, Star Noir came fourth just days ago, which is not ideal form so soon after a breakthrough, but the horse is still in regular competition and clearly sharp enough to be racing at short intervals. Billy Garritty has partnered the horse in six of those eight career races without a win, so the breakthrough victory came without his usual jockey in the saddle—a sign that victory at Catterick was down to the right race at the right time rather than a change of rider sparking improvement.

Star Noir typically competes at Class 5 level, where the horse has won nothing from four attempts. That 0 per cent record in Class 5 races is something to watch: it suggests that when stepped up even slightly in competition, results dry up. The Catterick win almost certainly came at a lower class, making it a start in the right direction rather than evidence the horse has found its true level. At three years old and just one win to its name, Star Noir remains very much a work in progress for the Easterby team, which has been prolific this season with 55 winners already sent out from the yard.