Lyra Lea

What is most striking about her record is the shape of her recent form. In her last six races, she has finished sixth once, but otherwise has not been out of the first two places—winning one, finishing second twice, third once, and fourth once. That sequence suggests a horse gaining confidence and hitting better form at exactly the right moment. Her trainer, Rod Millman, runs a productive yard at Kentisbeare in Devon that has sent out 42 winners this season alone, so Lyra Lea is in a stable with momentum behind it.

Millman bought her for just 1,200 guineas—modest money—and has been patient in bringing her along. She was placed in her first three races before breaking through to win at Lingfield Park last August, which showed early promise. The trainer's current plan is to target the Great British Bonus races, a scheme designed for horses bought at lower prices, and that gives Lyra Lea a clear path to competitive racing. She has not won at the highest class level she has encountered, but at her natural level she has twice found the winner's enclosure, and her recent pattern of form suggests there may be more wins to come.