Rising Force

The partnership with jockey Henry Callan has been particularly fruitful. In eight rides together, Callan has steered Rising Force to three victories — a win rate of 38 per cent, or nearly 2 wins in every 5 races. That kind of rapport between horse and rider is unusual and suggests they work well together. John Butler's Newmarket yard, which has produced 39 winners this season, clearly knows how to get the most out of its charges.

However, Rising Force has hit a rough patch. It has not won in its last six races, with results reading 5-6-2-5-4-8 going back from yesterday. That mix of fifth and sixth places, along with an eighth, suggests the horse is still racing and trying but has lost its way a little. The last victory came at Thirsk on 2 May — four months ago now — which is a long drought for any racehorse. With the horse still active and recently back on the track, there is time yet for it to rediscover that winning form, particularly if Callan gets another ride and conditions at Class 6 level line up in its favour.