City Of Dreams

The level at which City Of Dreams competes makes the record harder to explain away. Class 5 is the entry-level tier of British racing — these are the most accessible races on the calendar, designed for horses that haven't found their feet yet. Going 0 from 3 at that level means this horse hasn't been able to win even in the easiest company available. For context, a yard that sends horses to Class 5 races is looking for confidence-builders and stepping stones, not statements. City Of Dreams hasn't been able to use them as either.

What makes this worth watching, in a curious sort of way, is the trainer. Edward Bethell's yard in Middleham, North Yorkshire, has sent out 62 winners this season — that is a genuinely productive operation, and not the kind of stable that gives up on horses easily. The fact that City Of Dreams is still racing, having run just yesterday, suggests the team believes there is something to work with. Whether that faith is eventually rewarded is the open question. For now, this is a horse in search of its first good day.