Shosholoza

His record of one win and one place from four races — winning 1 in every 4 — doesn't fully capture the story. The Tipperary win and the Group 1 run in France were the highlights; the concern is what has happened since. His last three outings have produced finishing positions of eighth, sixth and sixth, and a return run at Leopardstown this season clearly didn't go to plan. O'Brien has been candid about that — the race simply didn't set up well for Shosholoza, and the horse was never able to race in the way he needs to.

What's interesting is that O'Brien still believes in him. The plan now is to head to the Gallinule Stakes, a Group 3 at the Curragh — one level below the very top tier — and ride him more positively, which means getting him involved from the front rather than waiting for a race to develop around him. That tactical switch could make a real difference for a horse that clearly has ability but needs things to fall his way. With O'Brien's yard having sent out 171 winners already this season, this is a team that knows how to place a horse when the moment is right. The question is whether Shosholoza can deliver when they give him his chance.