Cosmetic

Trained by Aidan P O'Brien out of Cashel in County Tipperary, Cosmetic is part of one of the most powerful operations in world racing. O'Brien's yard has sent out 145 winners already this season — a number that puts the scale of the operation into sharp perspective. This is a trainer who runs horses at the highest level week in, week out, and simply being in that string puts Cosmetic in elite company before she has even reached the start.

The form figures tell a story of gradual improvement, at least on the surface — finishing ninth, then seventh, then fifth in her three races to date. She has not won or even placed yet, which means zero prize money and a record that looks modest on paper. But in a yard that regularly fields big-race contenders, a young horse is often given the time and space to learn. Three runs at three years old is not a long CV — plenty of horses take time to figure things out, and the direction of travel in her recent races, moving from ninth to fifth, is at least pointing the right way.

Whether Cosmetic is a work in progress or simply a horse that will find her level in less competitive company remains to be seen. But with O'Brien pulling the strings and a full season still ahead, it would be premature to write her off entirely. Horses trained in Cashel have a habit of turning up with something extra when it matters.