Black Velvet Boy

What makes him genuinely interesting is how he behaves on fast, dry ground. On those conditions, he wins half his races: 2 wins from just 4 attempts. That is the kind of course preference that trainers build entire strategies around, and it suggests he has real speed when the surface suits him. The yard of John and Sean Quinn, based in Norton, North Yorkshire, has sent out 44 winners this season, so Black Velvet Boy is working under the roof of a sharp operation.

His recent form tells a story of a young horse learning the game. His last six races, in order, read 2-2-1-1-3-7 — two wins and three placed finishes, with one well-beaten run last time out. That seventh place, just a day ago, is a reminder that even the promising ones get found out sometimes, but a youngster who can follow poor form with quick wins is worth watching. He remains active and at the races, which means the team is keen to keep the momentum going. On the right ground, against the right opposition, Black Velvet Boy has shown he belongs at this level.