Ladbroke Grove

The more pressing storyline here is the absence. Ladbroke Grove hasn't raced in roughly 11 months — a long time out, and the kind of gap that always raises questions about what kept a horse off the track. Trainers don't leave horses sitting idle without reason, and a return after this sort of break will tell us a great deal about where the horse is physically and mentally. First-run-back performances can be deceptive in either direction — some horses come back fresh and flying, others need the outing to shake off the rust.

Martin Brassil, based in Dunmurray, Co Kildare, has the horse in his care, and that's a decent hand to be dealt. Brassil's yard has sent out 10 winners already this season, which shows the operation is in good working order and capable of placing horses where they can win. A trainer with runners firing is usually one whose horses are arriving at the track fit and ready — Ladbroke Grove will be hoping to benefit from that momentum on its return.