Minkaas

Her breakthrough came at Newmarket on 20 August, a win that came just three weeks ago. Since then, she has raced three more times without getting back in front, but the pattern of her recent form — a third place, followed by a second, then a fourth — is the kind of thing you see in a horse that is being carefully built up rather than one in trouble. Young racehorses often bounce between good and moderate performances as they mature and adapt to racing, and Minkaas appears to be progressing through that stage now. Having raced only four times and already found the winner's enclosure, she is ahead of where many horses her age are. She was last on the track just a day ago, meaning the yard are keeping her active and engaged.

T J Kent's Newmarket yard has sent out 12 winners this season, which suggests a trainer with a steady hand and decent ammunition. The fact that Minkaas is trained by someone with genuine winners in her book — rather than someone struggling to land a race — adds another small note of encouragement. She is worth watching over the coming months as she matures and works out where her level lies.