Twist Of Fatecatch

What makes Twist Of Fate interesting is not a winning streak but a different kind of consistency. His recent form—a third last time out at Exeter, followed by placings at fourth, third, sixth, and eighth—shows a horse that turns up and tries. He has not won in his last six races, but he has been placed in four of them, the kind of solid, unspectacular record that keeps a horse in work and in the yard's plans. His jockey Dylan Johnston rode him in 9 of those 15 races, winning once together; the 11% win rate they share hints at a partnership that, while not prolific, has its moments.

Mulholland's stable at Limpley Stoke sent out 60 winners this season, and the trainer clearly has faith in this horse's future. He recently reported that Twist Of Fate ran "an absolute cracker" when fifth at Exeter on his first outing since June, and plans to keep him over hurdles this winter before sending him chasing next season. The trainer values his consistency and his liking for a longer distance. For a horse that won his only race 17 months ago and has since compiled a mixed record, that faith matters. Twist Of Fate may never be a headlines horse, but he is exactly the kind of working professional that keeps racing yards honest and gives punters something to think about when the odds are right.