Sea Of Doubt

The real insight into Sea Of Doubt's form lies in her preference for normal ground conditions. On firm, fast ground or on wet and muddy surfaces, she struggles; but when the going sits somewhere in the middle, she performs at double her career average, winning 2 of every 14 races she runs. This is the kind of detail that separates a useful horse from a frustrating one — knowing exactly when and where she can win is half the battle. Her recent form shows promise too: she ran second just two days ago, sandwiched between a fourth and a sixth in the races before that. He is clearly still trying and still competitive, raced by trainer Ian Patrick Donoghue at Clonalvy in County Meath, whose yard has been in good form with 29 winners already this season.

Sea Of Doubt is the sort of horse that keeps people coming back: not a star, but reliable at her best, and giving her the yard something to work with when conditions and venue line up in her favour. Downpatrick in normal weather is her stage, and at six years old with recent form suggesting she is still sharp, another win there is far from beyond her.