Hunterian

The run that stands out most is that second place. Finishing runner-up means Hunterian was beaten by just one rival, and in racing that is simultaneously the most encouraging and most frustrating result possible — close enough to suggest the win is coming, far enough away to mean the prize money goes elsewhere. The 3-6-3 either side of it shows consistency at the sharp end of a race, which matters. A horse that keeps finishing in the places is a horse that is competing, not just making up the numbers.

What works heavily in Hunterian's favour is who is doing the training. Charlie Johnston's yard at Middleham Moor in North Yorkshire is one of the most productive operations in Britain right now, having sent out 128 winners already this season. That is a remarkable number — it means the yard is turning out winners at a rate that most trainers can only dream about. When a stable like that keeps running a horse, it tends to mean they believe in it. Hunterian raced just one day ago, so the team clearly has plans and is keeping the horse busy, which is usually a sign of confidence rather than desperation.

At 3 years old, Hunterian is still a young horse learning its trade. Some horses take time to put it all together, and a record of three places from five races is a perfectly respectable foundation. The question is whether that second place was a glimpse of what is coming, or whether Hunterian is the kind of horse that will keep running well without quite getting over the line. Given the quality of the yard behind it, the smart money — if you will forgive the phrase — is on the former.