Town Queen

Over seven career races, Town Queen has won twice and finished in the top 3 a further five times—a record that reads as solid rather than spectacular, but one that masks her genuine ability on her day. She wins roughly 1 in every 3 races when she gets the conditions she wants. Her recent form reveals a horse in active work and capable of competing: across her last six races, she has won twice, finished second twice, and had just one disappointing outing further back. The Coverham yard, which has sent out 145 winners this season, clearly knows how to keep her ticking over, and the fact that she last raced just a day ago shows she is currently in the thick of things.

The challenge for Town Queen will be replicating that Southwell magic elsewhere. Away from her happy hunting ground, the wins dry up considerably, and softer or firmer ground tends to blunt her edge. But on normal conditions at the right course, this is a horse that has already shown she knows how to get the job done—and Burke's team will be watching for the next opportunity to send her back where she thrives.