Mokata

The one flicker of encouragement in that sequence is the fifth-place finish, which at least suggests Mokata can get closer to the action on a given day. Everything else points to a horse that is still learning what racing is about, regularly finishing well down the field. Whether that is a matter of ability, experience, or finding the right conditions remains to be seen.

Mokata is trained by Adam Kirby at Kirtling, on the outskirts of Newmarket — the heartland of British flat racing. Kirby's yard has sent out six winners this season, so the operation knows how to get horses to the track in winning form. The question is whether Mokata can become one of them. For now, it is a horse with more questions than answers, but the fact it keeps appearing on racecards suggests the team believe there is something worth persevering with.