Aperoll

The most recent form tells an interesting story. Aperoll finished fifth on its latest outing just a day ago, but before that came a first-place finish. In the four races running back from yesterday, the record reads fifth-first-third-first. So while the most recent race was a disappointment, the pattern is unmistakably strong: this horse knows how to win when it matters. The colt's first victory came at Newbury in early June, and it took a second win just six weeks ago at Sandown Park. Two wins in four races is not a fluke at this level—it suggests a horse with genuine ability.

Richard Hannon, the trainer, runs one of the most successful yards in the country. Her operation at Herridge in Wiltshire has already sent out 118 winners this season, which gives a sense of the caliber of horsemanship and support Aperoll is receiving. Young horses can improve dramatically with good guidance, and being in a yard of that standing matters. The fifth-place finish yesterday is hardly a cause for concern given the overall trajectory. At two years old, with winning form already established and a heavyweight trainer backing it, Aperoll looks like a horse with a genuine future.