Thistle Nil

What's most interesting about Thistle Nil right now is the shape of its recent runs. Looking at the last six races in order, it finished first, then eleventh, then eighth, then first again, then ninth, and seventh most recently. That's volatile form — a winner one week and well beaten the next. But there's a pattern worth noting: it has won twice in its last six races, including a victory at Hamilton Park just this week on 21 August. That suggests the horse is doing something right at the moment, even if the runs in between show it can also disappoint badly.

Jim Goldie's yard at Uplawmoor in Lanarkshire has had a productive season, with 88 winners sent out already. Thistle Nil made its breakthrough in late June at Ayr, then has gone on to prove it can win again, notably at Hamilton Park this week. Whether it can string together consistent form or will continue to alternate between sharp wins and anonymous efforts remains to be seen. For now, at least, it is still actively competing and clearly capable of reaching the winner's circle.