Senor Cortez

The most striking thing about Senor Cortez is what happens when you put him on a particular track. At Lingfield Park he has won two of his three races — a phenomenal two in three — and his most recent victory came there just this week. That kind of affinity with a specific venue is not a coincidence. Some horses simply thrive on certain layouts, and Lingfield's unique all-weather track, with its long sweeping bend, clearly suits the way he travels and finishes.

Distance is the other key to understanding him. Over longer trips — between a mile and six furlongs and two miles — he has won four of nine races, which translates to winning almost 1 in every 2 at those distances. That is a remarkable conversion rate and suggests a horse who genuinely stays well and comes into his own when the race becomes a test of stamina rather than pure speed. Get him over the right trip and he is a genuine contender.

John Butler's yard in Newmarket has sent out 39 winners this season, which speaks to a well-organised operation that knows how to place its horses. Senor Cortez fits that picture: a horse being campaigned patiently and effectively, finding the conditions that bring out the best in him. His recent form reads 1-1-7-5-3-2, meaning he has won his last two and finished in the top three for four of his last six races. He is in the form of his life right now, races only a day ago, and shows absolutely no sign of stopping.