South Shore

What stands out most about South Shore is his dominance at Windsor, where he has won two of his three races there. That kind of course form is rare and valuable; it suggests he has found a place where the track, the distance, or something about the setup simply suits him. He also shows a clear preference for normal ground conditions, winning two of nine races on such surfaces — a 22 per cent win rate that is well above his career average. His trainer, Robert Cowell at Newmarket, is clearly taking a measured approach with the horse, confident that he has untapped ability but willing to be patient rather than rush him. Cowell's yard has already sent out 24 winners this season, so he knows how to place a horse in the right race at the right time.

South Shore's recent form has been genuinely encouraging. He won at Sandown Park this week, just days ago, and before that finished second twice in quick succession — the sign of a horse who is running in the right company and competing hard. At Class 6 level he has not set the world alight (just one win from ten races), but that tells you he is holding his own at the lower end of the scale, exactly where a horse of his ability should be. He raced again yesterday, so he is very much an active member of the stable. Whether he will ever step up in class remains to be seen, but for now, South Shore represents the kind of steady, consistent earner that racing people rely on.