Star Of Sapphire

That win rate of 33% — winning 1 in every 3 races — tells its own story. Most horses are lucky to win 1 in 10. To be winning at that rate this early in a career is the kind of thing that makes trainers and owners sit up and pay attention.

Behind the horse is Noel Meade, one of Irish racing's most experienced trainers, operating out of his yard in Castletown, Co Meath. Meade is not a man who rushes horses, and the fact that his operation has sent out 42 winners already this season tells you this is a yard in fine form — the sort of place where well-managed horses tend to keep improving. Star Of Sapphire is in good hands.

The most recent form line reads second, then a win, then a blank — in reverse, that means the horse won last time out before its most recent run ended without a placing. That slight step back in form after a peak is entirely normal in a young horse still finding its feet, and with only three races on the clock, there is everything still to play for. Racing's most interesting stories are often written in the early chapters, and this one is barely started.