Hawksbill

That one career win came at Haydock Park in August 2024, and it remains the high-water mark of his career so far. The problem is that it was nearly two years ago. Since then, he has raced six times without winning, and his recent form — a pair of seconds followed by a thirteenth, fifth, twelfth, and tenth — reads like a horse that briefly found his level and has been searching for it again ever since. He has spent most of his career in Class 2 company, which represents the upper tier of British racing, and has drawn a blank in all seven of those attempts. That is not a shameful record — these are good races, against quality horses — but it does mean he has yet to prove he belongs at that level on a consistent basis.

Richard Spencer trains him out of Newmarket, one of British racing's most famous training centres, and his yard has sent out 30 winners already this season — a healthy return that suggests the operation is in good form. Spencer has been openly positive about Hawksbill's prospects. After a second-place finish at Kempton last month, where he was beaten by a horse Spencer described as an impressive winner, the trainer felt Hawksbill came out of the race with plenty to offer — he had worked hard that day and Spencer believes there is genuine improvement to come. The Esher Cup is one option being considered for his return, though the team also has the Italian 2,000 Guineas in their sights — an ambitious target that would suggest they see real potential in him.

After a 78-day break, Hawksbill comes back fresher and, if his trainer is right, better for his last run. Whether he can finally convert that promise at the top level remains the question — but at seven furlongs to a mile, on the right day, he is clearly a different horse.