Sterling Knight

What makes Sterling Knight genuinely interesting is where and how he wins. He has an almost freakish record at Wolverhampton, winning 2 from 3 there, and his best numbers come on ground with a bit of softness to it — 3 wins from just 6 races on slightly soft ground, a 50% conversion rate that would make most horses in training blush. Jockey Rhys Clutterbuck described him after a Haydock win as a horse who idles once he hits the front, waiting for a rival to appear before he really digs in — the sporting equivalent of someone who only runs fast enough to win. That is either an endearing quirk or a tactical headache, depending on which side of the finish line you're standing.

Dunlop has spoken warmly about him, noting that Sterling Knight likes a cut in the ground and has the profile of a horse who can "pop up and win a decent handicap somewhere." He has already done exactly that — landing a Class 2 race at Chelmsford in December 2024, one of the better races of his career. After a winter campaign that included a frustrating day at Lingfield where a poor draw left him with nowhere to go, he has returned to turf and immediately looked at home again.

His most regular partner is David Probert, who has ridden him to 2 wins from 6 attempts together — a 33% win rate, which is a strong return for any partnership. The Dunlop yard has been in fine form this season, sending out 36 winners, and Sterling Knight appears to be one of the horses carrying that momentum. At seven, he is not getting any younger, but the form line from his last six races — which includes a win, two places, and a fresh victory this week — suggests there is still plenty to look forward to.