Lola de Valence

What is striking about her recent form is the mix: a fourth place last time out, then a ninth, but sandwiched between those runs were a win and a third. That kind of up-and-down pattern is typical of a young horse still learning the game and working out what it takes to win. She has not raced in a week, so the yard will be plotting her next move carefully. Rod Millman's yard at Kentisbeare in Devon has had a strong season with 42 winners already, suggesting she is in good hands. The fact that she has won once in four races and keeps finishing in the frame says the talent is there — now it is about building on that Nottingham success and proving it was not a one-off.