Acheron

That said, there is at least something in the history worth noting. Back in its earlier outings, Acheron managed a second-place finish, which tells you the horse is capable of competing — it just hasn't been able to build on it. Whether that's down to how the races have set up, the opposition, or something the yard is still working through, it's hard to say. What's clear is that the horse raced just one day ago, so it is very much active and still being campaigned with intent.

Acheron runs for trainer John Joseph Hanlon, based in Bagenalstown, Co Carlow. Hanlon's yard has sent out 11 winners so far this season, which shows the stable knows how to win races — the tools and the know-how are there. Whether Acheron can become the 12th winner on that tally is the question. For now, it's a horse whose best result feels like it came early, and the challenge is finding a way back to that kind of form.