Miss Maverick

What makes her genuinely interesting is her dominance at Uttoxeter. She has won 5 of her 11 races there — nearly one in every two visits — which is the sort of course record that makes racing people sit up and take notice. Her form at Class 4 level is even sharper: 4 wins from 10 races at that grade, a 40 percent win rate that shows she knows how to get the job done when it matters. Regular rider James Davies has won 5 of his 11 races on her back, a 45 percent partnership rate that suggests they understand each other well in a race.

Recent months have seen her remain competitive despite her age. She won at Worcester three months ago and has claimed two victories in her last six races, though a finish of fifth and three runs without a top-3 finish suggest she is not having her easiest season. Her trainer has ruled out jumping fences — the more challenging obstacle — and plans to keep her over hurdles, with trips back to Uttoxeter and other preferred tracks on the agenda. At nine years old and with a career earnings record built on genuine racecourse ability rather than one-off chances, Miss Maverick has earned the right to race on her own terms.