Arklow Lad

His last six races tell a story worth watching. After an 11th place finish, he bounced back with a win, followed by a run that placed him, then another win, then third place — two victories in six outings, which is the kind of uptick that makes trainers sit up straight. That last win came eight weeks ago at Epsom Downs, one of Britain's most famous tracks, suggesting he can handle a proper course when the conditions suit. He raced just a day ago, so he is clearly in work and active.

Arklow Lad is trained by Michael Appleby at Oakham in Rutland, a yard that has already sent out 71 winners this season, which speaks to the strength of the operation. When he runs, he is most often ridden by Declan McDonogh, though their record together — one win from five races — is less impressive than his overall statistics. That gap between his record and the partnership's record is worth noting; he may simply run better with other jockeys, or McDonogh may be trying different tactics. His career began with a win at Bellewstown last October, a solid start that he has been trying to build on ever since. Whether he can string together more consistent form remains the question, but the evidence from his last six runs suggests he is moving in the right direction.