Al Hussar

Trainer Grant Tuer, based in Birkby, North Yorkshire, does not hide the fact that Al Hussar has had a summer to forget. The horse is genuinely quick — Tuer describes it as one that wants the fastest conditions possible — but it started the year too high in the handicap, which meant competing in tougher races than its current level justifies. A bout of ringworm set back its preparation, but the trainer says the horse is "on the way back now" and moving better in recent work. Importantly, Al Hussar is not a one-surface performer; it handles the all-weather as well as turf, which keeps options open. The yard itself is in fine form with 29 winners already this season, suggesting Tuer knows how to get horses ready.

The partnership with jockey Oliver Stammers has not clicked yet — just 1 win from 10 races together — so a change of rider, or simply the right race at the right time on the right ground, could reignite things. Al Hussar has the form and the ability to get back to winning ways at Class 4, but it needs luck with the handicap mark and patience from everyone watching.