Antigua

What gives the story a more interesting dimension is who is doing the training. Aidan P O'Brien's operation in Cashel, County Tipperary, is one of the most powerful yards in the world, and with 144 winners already on the board this season alone, it is firing at an extraordinary level. For context, most trainers would consider 20 or 30 winners a fine season — 144 is a different universe entirely. That means Antigua is learning its trade in one of the very best environments in the sport, surrounded by horses that regularly compete at the highest level.

The honest read on Antigua right now is that it is a work in progress. Being trained by O'Brien does not guarantee success, but it does mean the horse will be placed thoughtfully and given every chance to find its feet. Three races is a very small sample — some horses take five or six outings before the penny drops. Worth watching, not writing off.