Naval Architect

Bred by Naval Crown out of a Tertullian mare, Naval Architect carries decent enough bloodlines for a horse starting out at this level. But pedigree only tells you so much. What matters is what happens when the gates open and the horse is asked to do the job under pressure for the first time. Some horses take to it naturally; others take a few races to settle and learn. There is no way to know which type Naval Architect will be until the race is run.

Keatley's yard at Ryedale has been in excellent form this season, sending out 43 winners already, which suggests the team knows what they are doing when it comes to preparing young horses for their first time out. That is a solid vote of confidence. Whether Naval Architect turns out to be anything special, or simply another horse learning its trade on a racecourse, will become clear soon enough.