Control Room

Her most recent form is encouraging. Over her last six races she has been placed in four of them, with a fourth-place finish the only real disappointment. That second place at a track where she has already run suggests she handles the course and is improving. She has only been out of action for a day, so she is still sharp and in the system. Trainer Grace Harris, whose Shirenewton yard has already saddled 31 winners this season, has had time to freshen Control Room over the winter and reports that she has grown in strength. The plan is to start her over five furlongs rather than her preferred six, a tactic that could suit a horse who has shown she can be handy in a tight race. Harris has mentioned she could run this week, likely at Bath — a track where Control Room has previous experience and, encouragingly, has already shown she can be competitive.

At three years old and with one win under her belt, Control Room remains a work in progress, but the recent form and the trainer's evident confidence suggest she is ready to build on that sole success.