Blackwater Lilly

What's interesting is where she does her best work. Over long distances of two miles or more, she has managed that one win from 13 races — roughly 1 in every 13 attempts — which actually puts her form in better perspective. She is a staying horse who needs a test, and when conditions suit her at that kind of trip, she is competitive. The 11th place finish in recent form is the outlier; strip that out and you have a horse placing in almost every other run. Neil King's yard in Wroughton has sent out 16 winners this season, so there is clearly confidence and form in the team, even if Blackwater Lilly herself has been chasing that elusive second success.

Craig Nichol rides her most often and their partnership has produced that sole career win together — 1 from 6 at a win rate of roughly 1 in 6, which is actually a far better ratio than her overall record suggests. That matters, because it hints that the combination works. She raced just yesterday, so she is very much a live and active runner, and the yard will be hoping the placed finishes of late eventually translate into a winner's enclosure visit. For now, Blackwater Lilly is a horse who competes honestly and places regularly — just waiting for the day everything clicks again.