Soldier's Tree

What stands out is how the horse has raced over the past six outings. After a poor run 12 days ago, Soldier's Tree bounced back with a third-place finish, then another third, then a second, and most recently — just yesterday — another second. That is four places in the last five races, which suggests James Owen's Newmarket yard has found the right fit for it at present. The horse is clearly running to form and staying competitive, even if it has not found the winner's circle since January.

Owen's operation is among the sharper yards in Britain this season, with 205 winners already sent out, so Soldier's Tree is in capable hands. Whether it can add a second win to its name remains to be seen, but the recent consistency shows it is earning its keep and mixing with races at its level. It is the sort of horse that could surprise on the right day, but is more likely to offer steady value as a place alternative than as a winning bet.