Venture Capital

Where Venture Capital truly shines is at Newcastle, where he has won twice from five races. That 40% win rate at one track marks him as a course specialist in the truest sense — this is a horse that knows that ground and that layout and thrives there. He also prefers middle distances between seven furlongs and a mile, winning twice from five races at that trip. He is ridden most often by Shane Gray, with whom he has won 5 times from 18 races together, suggesting a real understanding between horse and rider.

Trainer Kevin Ryan, based at Hambleton in North Yorkshire, has seen something in Venture Capital that keeps him in the team. Ryan's yard is one of the most prolific in the country, already sending out 45 winners this season, so the horse is in sharp hands. The trainer has described him as very genuine, and has deliberately campaigned him on turf over the kind of nice handicap opportunities that suit his temperament. The challenge now is to find the right race to get him back in the winner's circle. At his best on normal ground, and with a clear preference for his home track, Venture Capital needs another Newcastle opportunity — or at the very least, a track and trip that play to his known strengths.