Uncle Don

The trainer, based at Newmarket, has noticed that Uncle Don shows genuine speed over shorter distances. When stepped up to six furlongs at Goodwood, the horse was eager and quick throughout, only just failing to get the job done in the closing stages. Cowell's plan is to drop him back to five furlongs — ground Uncle Don has not tested for some time — reasoning that his natural pace suits that tighter distance better. It is a small adjustment, but one born from genuine conviction rather than desperation. Cowell's yard is in good form, having sent out 24 winners this season, so his opinion carries weight.

Oisin Orr, the jockey who has partnered Uncle Don most often, won aboard him once from six rides together — a win rate of one in six, which is considerably better than the horse's overall record of just one win from nineteen races. That suggests there may be a working relationship worth pursuing, though the sample size is small. After a race just yesterday, Uncle Don remains active and available, giving the yard the chance to find the right spot. With the right distance and conditions, Cowell appears confident there are races still to be won.