Wonderwall

His overall numbers are solid rather than spectacular: 3 wins from 22 races, which works out at roughly 1 in every 7. But the recent form tells a much more exciting story. In his last six races he has won twice, finished second once, and placed on three other occasions — that is a horse in the form of his life. His latest win came at Punchestown just this week, which means he is not coasting on past glories but actively adding to them right now.

Conditions matter enormously with Wonderwall. On slightly wet, soft ground he has won 2 from 7 — that is nearly 1 in every 3, compared to his overall rate of 1 in 7. The trainer, S Curling, based in Cashel in County Tipperary, was clear after Cheltenham that the ground suited, and that keeping the horse fresh was a deliberate decision. Curling's yard has sent out 14 winners this season, so this is not a small operation getting lucky — they know exactly what they are doing with this horse.

What is especially interesting is the jumping. Curling admitted after Cheltenham that it used to be an issue. Now, apparently, it is a weapon. Jockey James Bowen — who rides him in most of his races — was praised for keeping Wonderwall in a rhythm and giving him confidence throughout. The trainer described him as a horse who needs to feel good about himself, and once he does, he is genuinely hard to stop. Bowen has ridden him 7 times and won once together, which on paper looks modest, but that one win was at Cheltenham, which rather changes the conversation.

First making his mark at Doncaster in January 2022, Wonderwall has taken a long road to the top. He is ten now, at an age when many horses are winding down, but the evidence of the past few months suggests he is as good as he has ever been.