Maid On The Shelf

What does give reasons for optimism is who is doing the training. Charlie Johnston's yard at Middleham Moor in North Yorkshire has sent out 128 winners already this season — that is a serious operation running at serious pace, and horses stabled there tend to be given every chance to find the race that suits them. Johnston is not a trainer who gives up on a young horse after a couple of quiet performances, and the fact that Maid On The Shelf raced as recently as yesterday suggests the team are actively searching for the right opportunity.

Two races is a very small sample. Some horses need half a dozen outings before the penny drops. With a powerful yard behind her and her whole career still ahead, it would be premature to write her off on the strength of what we have seen so far.