Fanciulla Del West

What's encouraging about her recent form is the consistency. In her last six races she has finished out of the frame only once, posting places of 5th, 2nd, 2nd, and 3rd. That run of results suggests she is competitive at the level she is being pitched into. Her most recent race at Yarmouth showed real substance: she ran second to what Walker describes as a smart prospect, staying competitive for a good stretch of the race before being caught. At three years old, horses often improve significantly between spring and summer as they strengthen and mature, and Walker clearly believes Fanciulla Del West is in that phase of development. She has noted that she has grown considerably since her two-year-old season — she is a big filly who should only get better as she fills out physically and gains racing experience.

Walker's yard at Upper Lambourn is in excellent form this season with 76 winners already, which means the infrastructure and expertise around Fanciulla Del West are of a high standard. The horse is active, competitive, and improving: there is little to suggest she won't break through for a win if she continues on this trajectory. At three, with respectable recent form and a trainer confident in her development, she remains very much a work in progress.