Prince Des Fichaux

Recent form tells a familiar story. In his last six races, spanning earlier this year, Prince Des Fichaux has not crossed the line in front, though he has managed two top-3 finishes—a fourth place and a third place. He is now returning from an 11-month break, having last raced 338 days ago, which raises questions about what lies ahead. The yard, trained by Ewan Whillans in the Scottish Borders, is in decent form with 29 winners this season, so the horse should be wound up and ready. His regular jockey, Danny McMenamin, has yet to record a win aboard him across six rides, a partnership that has not clicked so far. For a horse like this—steady, competitive enough to pick up the occasional cheque but unlikely to trouble the betting favourite—the return from such a long rest will be crucial. If the break has refreshed him, he might piece together a few more top-3 finishes. If not, he will simply carry on doing what he does: turning up, trying hard, and occasionally disappointing those who hope for that second career win.