Littlepacer

What works in Littlepacer's favour is who has the horse in their care. J P Murtagh's yard at Coolaghknock Glebe in Co Kildare has sent out 53 winners already this season, which tells you this is a stable that knows how to get horses ready to win races. Being trained by a yard operating at that level is a real asset for a young horse still learning the ropes — the horses around Littlepacer every morning are well-prepared, and the team clearly has an eye for spotting when a horse is ready to step forward.

Two races at two years old is nothing. Some of the best horses take time to figure things out, and trainers of Murtagh's calibre are usually patient enough to find the right opportunity. The placed finish suggests there's something there — it just hasn't translated into a win yet. One to watch as the season develops.