Evolutionist

The standout moment of her early career came when she finished third in the Fillies' Mile — one of the most prestigious end-of-season races for young horses in Britain, and a well-known stepping stone to the classics. The winner that day was Precise, and trainer Karl Burke is open about the fact that Evolutionist wasn't going to beat her. But third in that company, at that stage of her career, is a serious result. It tells you she belongs at the top level.

Burke trains out of Coverham in North Yorkshire, and his yard has been in excellent form — 140 winners already this season is a number that puts him among the most productive trainers in the country. He's clearly excited about what Evolutionist can become, describing her as "a very nice filly who did very little wrong last year." She's now been off the track for around six months, which is a normal winter break for a horse of her age, but it does mean she comes back needing to show she can pick up where she left off.

The plan is ambitious. She's heading to France for a trial race, and she's entered in the Guineas — meaning the team believe she has the potential to compete in one of the most famous Classic races of the flat season. That's a big statement for a horse with just four races to her name, but nothing in her record suggests it's wishful thinking. She already races like a horse who knows what she's doing.