Lejo Du Seuil

Trained by Ian Williams at his yard in Alvechurch, Worcestershire, Lejo Du Seuil has had a short break of just over five weeks since that last run, which is often a sign the team is happy with how the horse is doing and simply waiting for the right opportunity. Williams is having a strong season — 92 winners already — which means he clearly knows how to place a horse to give it the best chance. Getting horses into the right race at the right time is one of the most underrated skills in training, and Williams is doing it well.

The key question with Lejo Du Seuil is whether that improving curve continues. Going from ninth to fifth to second across three races is not nothing — it suggests a horse that is learning its job and gradually working out what is required. The next step, turning one of those placed efforts into an actual win, is the obvious target, and on the evidence of that last run, it is not out of reach.