Rockvale

What is interesting about Rockvale is not consistency — his recent form chart shows 7-1-3 in his last six runs, which reads as erratic — but the fact that he has woken up at exactly the right time. That win at Southwell last week was his first success, and it came at a track that suits him. Sam Allwood's yard at Whitchurch has had a decent season with five winners so far, and Rockvale represents the kind of horse that makes training worthwhile: one that finally delivers, even if it takes longer than hoped. He remains an active runner and is still racing, which suggests there is faith he can build on that breakthrough. For a horse who has spent years trying, one win from 14 races is not much to hang your hat on, but it is a start.