Skyolaire

The absence is the most interesting thing to watch here. Five months off at this stage of a career could mean almost anything — a minor setback, a chance to grow and strengthen, or simply a trainer taking his time. Seamus Mullins, who operates out of Wilsford-Cum-Lake in Wiltshire, is a patient handler with a good feel for bringing horses along at their own pace. His yard has sent out 10 winners already this season, which shows there's plenty of life in the stable. Whether Skyolaire is ready to add to that tally is the question.

At two years old, there's no need to panic about an empty win column. Some horses take time to understand what racing is actually asking of them, and a winter's rest can genuinely transform a young horse. The 5th-place finish — sandwiched between two disappointing runs — at least hints that Skyolaire has shown *something* on occasion. Coming back fresh, with a few races of experience already banked, the hope is that things start to click.