Charcoal Diva

Trained by D Donovan at Newmarket, one of British racing's most famous training centres, she at least has a decent setup around her. The yard has sent out three winners this season, so there is clearly ability being produced in Suffolk — it just has not come from this particular horse yet. She raced as recently as yesterday, so she is clearly being kept busy, and sometimes young horses need time and experience before the penny drops.

At two years old, there is still time. Plenty of horses who look ordinary early in their first season find their feet later on, and nothing about three unplaced runs means the story is over. But right now, Charcoal Diva is a work in progress, and anyone watching her would be hoping rather than expecting.