Duke Of Arrakis

At just two years old, there is obvious time on his side, and that context matters. Two-year-old racing is often less about finding finished articles and more about education, with many horses taking several races just to understand what is being asked of them. The fact that he has run three times in quick succession, with his most recent race coming just yesterday, suggests the team at Coolaghknock Glebe are keeping him active and learning. Trainer J P Murtagh has had a productive season with 54 winners, so the yard clearly knows how to get a horse ready to perform — Duke Of Arrakis just hasn't found his moment yet.

Whether that moment comes soon is the question. A horse this young, without a single win or placed finish from three attempts, needs to start showing some improvement if he is to justify further entries. But in two-year-old racing, a horse can look ordinary for months and then suddenly click — sometimes all it takes is the right conditions or a slightly longer trip. For now, Duke Of Arrakis is very much a work in progress.