Astrazar

What stands out is how much Astrazar thrives over seven furlongs to a mile. Over that distance, he has won 2 of his 7 races — a 29 per cent win rate — which is nearly twice his overall record. The trainer, Ed Walker, whose Upper Lambourn yard has been prolific this season with 76 winners, is clearly thinking along the same lines. Walker has spoken of Astrazar as a progressive handicapper in the making, and has his sights set on the Britannia at Royal Ascot, one of the most competitive but prestigious races for horses of this type. Recent form on his return has been mixed — a poor run at Newbury did little to inspire, yet Walker noted he ran well in defeat. The partnership with jockey Kieran Shoemark has not clicked so far, with five rides yielding no victories, though the York winner was partnered by Paul Mulrennan, who praised Astrazar's attitude and willingness to fight through traffic.

At three years old and freshly gelded, Astrazar is entering the phase where his shape as a racehorse will really become clear. Two wins from thirteen races is modest, but the trajectory matters more than the snapshot. If he can rediscover the form that produced two wins in quick succession, and if the Britannia proves his stage, he may yet become the progressive horse his trainer believes him to be.