Augusta Rock

That recent turnaround in form is worth noting. The first four races produced finishes of eighth, eighth, eleventh, and twelfth — the horse was struggling to land a blow. But the last two runs have been a different picture entirely, with a fifth and then a runner-up finish showing that something has clicked. Whether that's fitness, confidence, or simply finding the right race, Augusta Rock is clearly heading in the right direction.

The trainer is Joseph Patrick O'Brien, based at Owning Hill in County Kilkenny, and this is one of the most powerful yards in racing right now. O'Brien's operation has sent out 160 winners already this season — a remarkable output that puts him among the elite trainers in the sport. When a horse from a yard that productive starts to find its form, it tends to be well placed to take advantage. Augusta Rock ran just yesterday, so it is bang in the middle of its campaign, and with the momentum of two solid results behind it, a first win feels closer than the bare record of zero from six would lead you to believe.