Desert Shadow

There are clear patterns to Desert Shadow's preferences. The horse absolutely thrives on fast, dry ground, winning two of nine races (22 per cent) on those surfaces — more than double its overall win rate. Similarly, the horse performs best at distances between seven furlongs and a mile, winning two of six races (33 per cent) at those lengths. This suggests there may be better opportunities ahead if the calendar and ground conditions align. At present, stepping up to the most competitive class of race has not worked out — zero wins from three attempts at that level — so the horse is better suited to staying where it has found success.

Saeed bin Suroor, the Newmarket-based trainer, has Desert Shadow in a yard that has already sent out 15 winners this season, so the infrastructure and expertise are clearly in place. Desert Shadow's profile suggests a horse that could win again if it races on firm ground at around the mile mark, but it will need the right opportunity. Consistency remains elusive, yet the recent upturn in form and the clear preferences for certain conditions mean this is a horse worth keeping an eye on.