Anysignofhim

The recent form does at least hint at some consistency in finishing, with a third-place finish among the last six runs offering a small flicker of encouragement. But the dashes in that sequence — indicating non-completions — and placings no better than fifth for most outings suggest a horse that participates without threatening. Liam Quinlan has stuck with him through nine of those races together without a win to show for it, which says something about the loyalty involved, even if the results haven't rewarded it.

Anysignofhim is trained by Ray Hackett out of Nenagh in County Tipperary, a yard that has sent out four winners this season — proof that the operation can find the right race for the right horse. The puzzle is finding the right race for this one. Raced just yesterday, he remains very much an active participant, and Hackett's willingness to keep him busy suggests there's still belief somewhere in the camp that a suitable opportunity exists. Whether that opportunity arrives before the calendar runs out is the question his supporters — however patient they may be by now — will be asking.