Avandra

Recent form suggests the horse is still trying. Over the last six races, Avandra has picked up a second place and a third place among some tougher efforts, which at least shows it can find itself in the mix on the right day. The most recent outing was just yesterday, meaning the horse remains actively campaigned and not shelved. Simon Torrens, who rides Avandra most often, has partnered the horse on five occasions without success, though the jockey is clearly willing to stick with it. With three places from 23 races, Avandra is the kind of horse that seems to need everything to fall into place — the right ground, the right race, perhaps the right conditions — to get its head in front. That moment may never come, but the yard's confidence keeps it racing, and placed finishes prove it belongs at least somewhere near the action.