Shimmering Spirit

The horse runs out of the stable of N Tinkler in Langton, North Yorkshire, and that is at least one reason to stay interested. Tinkler's yard has sent out 37 winners already this season, which is a healthy tally and a sign that good horses and good preparation are clearly present on the yard. When a trainer is firing in winners at that rate, it suggests the operation knows what it is doing — the question is simply when Shimmering Spirit will start reflecting that ability on the track.

At three, horses are still physically developing and can improve significantly from one month to the next. The pair of fourth-place finishes earlier in the sequence hint that there is at least some competitive instinct in there. Getting back to that level — and then pushing past it — is what the team will be aiming for. Shimmering Spirit raced just yesterday, so this is a horse in active campaign, and the next run will be worth watching to see whether a corner is being turned.