Long Reign

The most recent form has been patchy. In the last five races, Long Reign came second, then finished seventh, seventh again, ninth, and most recently 25th. That last run, just yesterday, was a struggle, though a single poor outing doesn't necessarily mean much in racing — sometimes a horse simply has an off day. What matters more is the pattern: the form has drifted, and there hasn't been a placing in the last four races. Marcus Tregoning's yard, which trains Long Reign, has been sending winners out this season, so the infrastructure is there, but this particular horse hasn't yet clicked into gear.

At three years old, Long Reign is still young enough for improvement. Some horses take time to find their feet, and the fact that one placement has already arrived suggests the horse is capable of getting into a frame at least. Whether it can go on to break its duck and record a first win remains to be seen — it will need to show better form than the recent runs suggest.