Maldives

What's encouraging is the trajectory. The sequence of results reads sixth, then second — a notable improvement that suggests the horse is learning its trade and getting sharper with each run. A yard that is still looking for that breakthrough win will take plenty of heart from a placed effort, especially this early in a career.

The trainer is Kevin Philippart De Foy, based in Newmarket — the heartland of British flat racing. His yard has sent out 40 winners already this season, which marks him out as one of the more productive operations around. A trainer firing at that kind of volume knows how to place a horse well, and the fact that Maldives ran into second so recently suggests the team have a decent read on where it can be competitive. With the horse raced just yesterday and still very much active, there should be more chances to come — and a first win may not be far away.