Mathoura

She is trained by Mrs John Harrington at Moone in Co Kildare, a yard that has sent out 54 winners already this season — a serious operation that knows how to prepare a horse. Harrington has spoken warmly about her, describing her as a really nice horse by the sire Calyx, with a plan to start her over a mile before stepping up in trip as she matures. That detail matters: a horse that "will get further" is trainer-speak for a horse whose best days are likely still ahead of her. Some horses are quick and precocious; others need time and distance to unlock their full potential. Mathoura sounds like the second type.

At three years old and with just two races under her belt, there is very little data to go on — but what exists is quietly encouraging. She has placed in 100% of her races, and a trainer of Harrington's calibre doesn't tend to talk up a horse without reason. The decision to bring her along steadily over a mile first, with longer distances on the horizon, suggests a patient, confident approach. The win will come. The question is when.