Probation

Behind Probation is Kevin Philippart De Foy, one of the sharper operations out of Newmarket — the town that has been the heartbeat of British racing for centuries. His yard has sent out 40 winners already this season, which tells you this isn't a trainer who stumbles into results. He puts horses in the right places at the right times, and getting Probation to the winner's enclosure at Lingfield this week is exactly the kind of quiet, efficient work his yard is known for.

At just 3 years old and with only four races under its belt, Probation is still very much a work in progress. The recent form of 1-3-4-3 shows a horse that dipped slightly before bouncing back with the win — and bouncing back matters. There is plenty of road ahead, and with a trainer who clearly knows how to place a horse to its best advantage, the next few months will be worth watching.