Hyrcanian

What makes Hyrcanian's record particularly striking is where it competes. Class 6 is the lowest tier of racing in Britain — these are essentially the entry-level events, the races designed to give horses at the modest end of the sport somewhere to run. And yet across 11 races at that level, Hyrcanian has not won once. Failing to win in the deepest waters of the sport is a tough thing to overlook, and it speaks to a horse that, whatever its qualities, has simply not found a way to cross the line first.

Trainer Ron Barr's yard has sent out just one winner so far this season, which gives you a sense of the operation — modest in scale, working at the quieter end of the game. Hyrcanian raced as recently as yesterday, so it remains an active part of the string, still being pointed at opportunities. Whether one of those opportunities eventually brings a first win remains to be seen, but at this stage, patience is the defining quality required of anyone following this particular horse.