Show Your Hand

That sequence of 17, then second, then second in its last three races suggests a horse that has found its feet quickly after a rough patch. Back-to-back runner-up finishes are the kind of form that makes you lean forward in your seat — close enough to win, but not quite getting there. Whether that breakthrough comes soon is the question worth watching.

The horse is trained by David Pipe at his yard in Nicholashayne, Somerset — a operation that clearly knows what it's doing this season, having sent out 35 winners already. Pipe is an experienced handler with a long track record of improving horses steadily, so Show Your Hand is at least in capable hands while it searches for that elusive first win. With a race just yesterday, it's bang in the middle of its season, and the yard will be hoping the momentum of those placed efforts carries it over the line sooner rather than later.