Rosa Diaz

Her recent form reads 3-4-7-5-4-5, which tells the story of a horse that has been competitive without quite getting there. Finishing third and fourth in her two most recent outings suggests she is closer to winning than those bare numbers imply, and Kirby has spoken enthusiastically about her ability and the fact that she seems to be coming alive now. That phrase matters — it suggests a horse that has been educated rather than exploited, and is only now starting to show what she can do.

Kirby has also floated the idea of sending her jumping over fences, which would open up a whole new set of opportunities. Horses that switch codes sometimes find exactly the right conditions to unlock their potential, and if Kirby believes she has the ability and the jumping technique to make that transition, it is worth taking seriously. Her yard has sent out 36 winners already this season, so she is clearly in form and not short of confidence about what she sends out.

Rosa Diaz raced just one day ago, which means she is very much in the thick of things right now. For a horse still searching for that first win, the pieces look like they may be assembling. A trainer who rates her, a record that shows improvement, and possibly a new challenge over fences on the horizon — there are worse positions to be in.