Fate's Gambit

What stands out most is how fresh Fate's Gambit is — it raced just yesterday, which means the team at Mullingar clearly have the horse in a good rhythm and are keeping it busy. That kind of active campaign at this stage of a three-year-old's development usually means the trainer is trying to find the right opportunity, learning what the horse needs and where it thrives. Robson De Aguiar's yard in Westmeath has already sent out 10 winners this season, so there is genuine ability in that string — this is not a horse simply making up the numbers.

The honest truth is that zero wins from four races is a blank scorecard, but plenty of good horses take time to get off the mark. The runner-up finish shows Fate's Gambit can compete at the business end of a race. Whether a first win comes in the next run or takes a little longer, the combination of a yard in form and a horse clearly race-fit right now means the opportunity is there.