Black Orchid

Trained by Richard and Peter Fahey at Musley Bank in North Yorkshire, Black Orchid runs for a yard in excellent form this season, with 23 winners already to their name. The Faheys know how to get horses to the front; the puzzle is why this particular one keeps stopping just short. Whether that reflects bad luck in tight finishes, a need for a different trip, or simply a horse that runs best in company but lacks the finishing kick remains unclear from the bare facts. What is certain is that a horse capable of five top-3 finishes in six races is fundamentally sound — and still very much in contention to break through. With Black Orchid actively racing and the yard in such good form, a first win could be just around the corner.