Morcar

What stands out is how much better Morcar is when the ground is fast and dry. He has won five of his 18 races on firm or good ground — nearly one win in three — compared to a much leaner return when conditions turn wet or heavy. For a horse at this stage of his career, being able to identify his ideal conditions is exactly how a trainer maximizes value. He is also something of a specialist at Lingfield Park, where he has won twice from seven attempts. Alec Voikhansky, his most frequent rider, has partnered him twice successfully from 11 races together, a win rate of 18 percent, fractionally better than his overall average.

In Class 4 races — the standard territory for most of his campaigns — Morcar has won only 2 of 18 starts, which underlines that he is not a natural winner at that level. His recent form does not inspire confidence: a second-place finish two runs ago is his best result in his last six outings, with a string of mid-field efforts suggesting either that he is between winning runs or that the races have been slightly beyond him. But with Hannon's yard in robust form this season and Morcar still actively campaigned, there is likely another win in him yet, especially if the ground stays firm and the right opportunity comes his way.