James The Brave

What makes him special is the partnership with his regular jockey, Michael Kenneally. Together they have won three races from six — a 50% win rate that tells you something important is working. When a horse and jockey click like that, it often means the rider knows exactly how to get the best from the animal, and the horse responds. Trainer Padraig Butler, based at Bandon in Co Cork, has built a small but effective operation; the yard has sent out four winners this season, and James The Brave is clearly one of the key performers.

There is also a clear pattern in his running. He absolutely thrives on soft, muddy ground, winning two of his three races on those conditions. That is a significant edge — tracks with wet or heavy going suit him far better than firm, fast surfaces, so races on poor ground are when he is most likely to show his best. Since his first win at Killarney a year ago, he has built a career record of winning roughly one in every four races he runs, which is a respectable win rate for a horse competing at this tier. Right now, with three wins in his last six and a fresh victory this week, he is in a career-best spell and worth watching closely.