Sofi's Gift

The recent form tells an interesting story. That "2" at the start of the sequence — the most recent result — shows Sofi's Gift running into form at exactly the right time, having finished seventh and ninth in earlier races. Coming second just one day ago suggests the horse is peaking right now, and a trainer with a yard firing on all cylinders will be keen to strike while the iron is hot.

That trainer is Ciaran Murphy, based in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, and his operation is clearly in good health this season — 18 winners sent out is a solid return that speaks to a yard with real momentum behind it. For a horse still learning its trade at three years old, landing in a stable with that kind of form is genuinely good news. A confident trainer with winners on the board tends to know exactly when and where to place a young horse for maximum effect, and with Sofi's Gift clearly improving, the first win may not be far away.