Takincareofbizness

What gives the story some genuine interest is who's doing the training. Jack Channon's yard at West Ilsley in Berkshire has sent out 46 winners this season — that's a serious operation producing results at a healthy rate, and a horse sitting on 0 from 4 isn't a source of embarrassment in a yard that busy. Horses take time to find their feet, and a trainer with that kind of firepower tends to know when to be patient and when to push.

The recent form tells an honest story: third, then seventh, then sixth, then fourth in the most recent race. It's heading in the wrong direction across those last few runs, but the third place suggests there's something there to work with. Whether the team can get back to that kind of performance — and then go one better — is the question worth watching.