Crown of Oaks

The four-year-old does have a solid record when it clicks. Eight placings from ten races means it's competitive most days, not just turning up for the money, and that October success at one of Britain's top courses proved it belongs in quality company. The horse's first win came earlier that summer at Ayr in late July, so it has known how to find the front under pressure. William Haggas, training from Newmarket, has a powerful yard that has already sent out 170 winners this season — he knows what he's doing with a horse that has form at this level.

But Crown of Oaks raced only a day ago, so it's very much an active proposition right now. Whether that recent run was a stepping stone back to form or another frustrating outing remains to be seen. The horse clearly has the ability to win races in top company, yet it's been eleven months since it last proved it. For the yard to get this four-year-old back in the winner's circle, something needs to click again soon.