Demetris Mouflon

The recent form figures — 8, 4, 5, 9, 5, 2 — tell an interesting story when you read them from oldest to newest. That sequence ends with a second place, which is the most competitive this horse has looked across its career. Whether that represents a genuine step forward or a one-off remains to be seen, but it is at least something to build on.

Demetris Mouflon competes at Class 5 level, which is the entry level of British racing — the kind of races designed for horses that are still learning or have yet to prove themselves. Even at that level, the horse is yet to win from three attempts. Trainer Rod Millman, based in Kentisbeare in Devon, is a capable handler — his yard has sent out 42 winners already this season, which shows there is plenty of ability in the operation. The fact that this particular horse hasn't broken through yet isn't a reflection on the trainer so much as it is on a horse that simply hasn't put it all together on race day. Millman knows how to win races; the question is whether Demetris Mouflon can give him the chance to do so.

Racing just one day ago, this is a horse very much in active campaign. At three years old, there is time and room to improve, and plenty of good horses have taken a while to find their confidence before things started going right. For now, though, Demetris Mouflon remains one of the sport's patient projects — a horse that followers will be watching closely, waiting for the day when that second place finally turns into a first.