Lord Ffrench

The recent run of form tells you most of what you need to know about the journey to that win. Before Sligo, Lord Ffrench had rattled off five consecutive finishes of 7th, 7th, 6th, 8th, and 6th — consistently in the race, but consistently just out of reach of the places that matter. That kind of form can test the patience of any yard, and the fact that S Curling's team at Cashel, Co. Tipperary kept persevering says something. Curling's yard has been in decent nick this season, sending out 14 winners, so there is clearly a good eye for when a horse is ready to perform.

Lord Ffrench raced just one day ago, which means this profile catches him mid-campaign and in active training. Whether that Sligo win has unlocked something — a little more confidence, a slightly better understanding of what this horse needs — is the question worth watching. One win from 11 races is a modest return, but horses do find a level, and sometimes a first victory is the thing that sets the compass in the right direction.