Batch's stats are fairly unusual to me. Most riders around his average 5.87 (second strings) seem to get as many ,if not more 2nd places than 1st places.
Troy's 2021 stats are...
15 1st places
5 2nd places
11 third places
13 4th places
A high number of wins for his average, a low number of 2nds. And around 60+% of his rides are 3rd or last.
I've not seen him ride this year, but the stats look like if he gates he is fast, because it don't look like the gets past much when in front. But if he don't he either can't be bothered/lowering his average (as he is reported to have said at the start of the season) or he has a genuine confidence issue.
These are just my thoughts, having not seen him ride. But looking at his stats.
I had him as one of the top riders in the Prem before the season started.