Kilworth

Trained by Emma Lavelle at Ogbourne Maizey in Wiltshire, Kilworth is one of a prolific yard that has sent out 44 winners already this season. Lavelle has been impressed with her from day one — describing her as a genuine sweetheart with work that feels easy and natural. She showed early promise in Ireland, winning a point-to-point before making the switch to British racing, and comes with the pedigree of a true stayer. That profile fits her record: she tends to finish strongly rather than dominate, and she has proved most effective when given room to stay on.

Her recent form tells an interesting story. Over her last six races she has won twice, with finishes reading 4-3-1-blank-1-7 (most recent first). That suggests a horse capable of running well — top-three finishes in four of her last five starts — but one that does not always handle the step up to Class 4 company, where she is still searching for a breakthrough. At the lower grades she is a handy performer, and every indication points to her being more than merely competent when the pace suits and the ground is kind. At six, she should be entering her best years, and with Lavelle's patient handling, there is no reason to think her Ascot win in the spring marks the peak of her career.