Perfect Base

Looking at those six runs in order, there is a second place sitting in there, which shows the ability to compete — and a third-place finish more recently suggests the horse is at least knocking on the door. That said, a tenth and an eleventh also feature, so consistency has been the missing ingredient so far. At two years old, that is not unusual. Young horses are still learning their job, and the wide swings in performance are often part of the process rather than a sign of a problem.

What is worth noting is that Perfect Base raced just one day ago, meaning this is an active, fit horse right in the middle of its campaign. Trainer Natalia Lupini, based at Banbridge in Co Down, has sent out 17 winners already this season, which tells you the yard knows how to get horses ready to win. The fact that this horse keeps getting runs suggests Lupini sees something worth persevering with. Trainers do not keep entering horses that have no hope — entries cost money and time, and a yard with 17 winners this season is clearly not short of options.

The breakthrough win is still to come, but with a yard in decent form and a young horse that has shown flashes of placing ability, it would not be a surprise if that changes sooner rather than later.