King Of Sparta

What gives the profile some real weight is who's doing the training. Aidan P O'Brien's operation in Cashel, Co Tipperary is one of the most formidable yards in the world, and this season alone they've sent out 145 winners — a figure that reflects an extraordinary conveyor belt of talent and preparation. When a horse comes out of that environment, it tends to be pointed carefully and campaigned with a plan. King Of Sparta raced just three days ago, so he's clearly an active part of the programme right now.

The honest assessment is that zero wins from three races is a modest return, and the form — fifth, second, sixth — doesn't follow a clean upward curve. But racehorses at three are often still developing, and being trained by one of the sport's elite handlers means King Of Sparta is in the best possible hands to find the right opportunity when it comes. Whether that first win arrives soon is the question worth watching.