Koko Blue

The most recent form makes for interesting reading. In the last six races, there have been two third-place finishes and a string of runs that suggest a horse capable of being competitive but not yet able to close the deal when it matters. The 10th and 12th-place finishes in there are a reminder that consistency remains the missing ingredient — on some days Koko Blue threatens, and on others the race just passes by.

The partnership with jockey Lewis Edmunds has been given a fair crack, with six races together and no wins to show for it. That's not unusual at this stage, but it does mean the pair are still searching for a breakthrough together. What gives the setup some credibility is the trainer behind the operation. Tom Clover's yard, based in Newmarket — the historic heartland of British horse racing — has sent out 23 winners already this season, which shows this is a stable that knows how to get horses to win races. The fact that Koko Blue hasn't yet is a puzzle worth watching.

Koko Blue typically competes at Class 6, which is the entry level of British racing — the kind of races designed for horses still trying to get off the mark. Four races at that level, zero wins. That's not a disaster, but it does mean the horse hasn't been able to take advantage of the most accessible opportunities on offer. The three placed finishes show the talent is somewhere in there. The question is whether a change in conditions, track, or circumstances can unlock it. Koko Blue raced just yesterday and remains very much in action, so the next chapter could come quickly.