Arabian Crown

The real story is how consistent that talent has been at the top level. Arabian Crown has raced in Class 1 company — the cream of British racing — seven times and won four of those races (57%). Most horses either never get invited to that stage or quickly discover they don't belong. This one turned up at Newmarket, Salisbury, Windsor, and Sandown Park against the best and won more than half the time. A Class 1 victory at Windsor came just eight days ago, proof that age hasn't dulled the edge.

Sandown Park seems to bring out something special. The horse has won there twice from four races and clearly relishes the track's demands. William Buick, a jockey who rides for the top yards and does not waste time on ordinary horses, has been in the saddle for six of Arabian Crown's races and won four of them (67%). That partnership works, and Buick does not stick with horses unless they are worth his while.

Charlie Appleby's Newmarket yard trained Arabian Crown to that recent Windsor win, and the operation is humming — 121 winners already this season. Arabian Crown came back out to race just yesterday and finished third, which suggests it is sound, willing, and still being asked to earn its keep at the highest level. This is not a horse resting on laurels. It is still hunting wins.