Doctor Elvis

The recent form makes for interesting reading. Five of his last six races have produced a placed finish — second, second, second, second — which means he has spent a lot of time being beaten by one horse rather than many. That is a very different kind of near-miss. It suggests a horse that belongs in the races he is running in, but has not yet found whatever extra gear is needed to put a race to bed.

Gordon Elliott trains him out of Longwood in County Meath, and there is no shortage of quality around that yard. Elliott's team have sent out 210 winners already this season — that is an extraordinary number, and it tells you these are people who know what a winner looks like and how to find one. Jack Kennedy, one of the sport's most respected jockeys, has been aboard for all six of those recent placed efforts and has not yet ridden Doctor Elvis to victory in six tries together. That is not a criticism of either horse or jockey — it is simply a sign that the right moment has not yet arrived.

There has also been a physical setback to factor in. A foot problem kept Doctor Elvis on the sidelines for the second half of last season, and those kinds of interruptions can cost a horse momentum and confidence at a crucial stage of development. The fact that he has come back fit, working well by all accounts, and placing consistently suggests he has come through it in decent shape. Elliott has indicated that a race over hurdles is likely next on the agenda, and given how close Doctor Elvis has come in recent outings, it would take a brave person to bet against him finally getting his head in front before too long.