Aura Of Melania

That said, context matters. Two-year-olds are essentially teenagers learning their trade, and four races is a small sample to judge any young horse by. The finishing positions have actually been reasonably tight — no catastrophic last-place efforts — which suggests there is something to work with. Whether talent is lurking beneath the surface or the horse has simply found its level is the question the next few races will start to answer.

What does offer some encouragement is the yard behind the horse. Roger Fell, based at Nawton in North Yorkshire, has sent out 25 winners already this season — a solid return that speaks to a stable in decent form. Fell is not a trainer who wastes entries, so the fact that Aura Of Melania keeps getting runs suggests the team see something worth persevering with. The horse raced just yesterday, meaning the yard are keeping it busy and actively looking for a race it can get competitive in.