Minnatrix

The form line tells an interesting story in itself. Of her last four races, two produced no recorded finishing position — shown here as dashes — which typically means she failed to complete or was pulled up on those occasions. That makes the second place feel more significant: it came after a rough patch, suggesting there may be more to come if everything clicks.

She is trained by Eoin Christopher McCarthy, who operates out of Athea in County Limerick. The yard has been in decent form this season, sending out 15 winners — which is a solid return for a smaller Irish operation and suggests McCarthy knows how to place his horses where they can be competitive. The fact that Minnatrix raced just yesterday means she is very much an active project, not a horse being quietly wound down.

She has not won yet, and until she does, she remains one of those horses you watch rather than bet. But a yard in form, a recent placed effort, and a trainer who clearly has horses running well — there are worse situations to be in while waiting for that first win.