U S Marshall

The recent form makes for interesting reading, though. That sequence of 2-5-5-9 going back through the last few runs shows a horse that was threatening early on, with a runner-up finish among its best efforts, before form dipped away. The most recent outing, just a day ago, produced a third-place finish — which at least suggests it is returning to something closer to its better self. Whether that momentum translates into a breakthrough win is the question everyone around the yard will be asking.

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero, who train U S Marshall from their base at Oldcastle in Cheshire, have had a productive season by any measure — 42 winners sent out is a serious number and marks them out as a yard in real form. That makes it slightly puzzling that U S Marshall has not been able to convert, particularly in Class 4 races, which are mid-level contests where you might expect a horse with some ability to eventually get off the mark. Three attempts at that level and nothing to show for it suggests the horse either needs everything to fall perfectly on the day, or is still developing into its best.

At six, time is not entirely on its side — horses tend to have a clear window of opportunity — but it is not past it either. The yard's overall form gives reason for optimism, and a third-place finish just yesterday is at least a sign of life. Punters who follow this horse will be hoping the next run is the one where it all clicks.