Roc Dino

What makes those placed efforts worth noting is who they come from. Roc Dino is trained by W P Mullins at Muine Bheag in Co Carlow — one of the most formidable racing operations in the sport. Mullins' yard has sent out 233 winners already this season, which is a staggering number. To put that in perspective, many successful trainers consider 50 winners a season a very good year. When a stable is firing at that rate, the horses that are finishing second aren't doing so in weak company, and they tend not to stay second for long.

Roc Dino raced 21 days ago and remains in active training, so the yard — sorry, the team — clearly believe there's a race to be won. Whether that comes next time out or takes a little longer, the trajectory over the last two runs is pointing in the right direction. In a yard built on winners, patience tends to be rewarded.