Uppercase

Trained by Harry Eustace out of Newmarket — one of British racing's great training centres — Uppercase operates primarily at Class 5, which is the entry level of British flat racing. It has raced there four times without winning, though the placed finishes suggest it belongs at that level rather than struggling in it. Eustace's yard has been in good form this season, sending out 23 winners, so the infrastructure and expertise are there. The question is simply when Uppercase's moment arrives.

The recent form figures — 3, 3, 4, 2, 7, 9 reading from oldest to newest — tell an interesting story when you read them in the right direction. The horse finished ninth and seventh in its two most recent outings, which is a step backwards after a sequence that included two third-place finishes and a second. That dip in form is worth watching. A horse that was threatening to break through and then fades slightly is either going through a rough patch it will shake off, or finding its level. Uppercase raced just yesterday, so the yard will be poring over that latest run carefully.

At four years old, there is still time. Some horses take a while to find their confidence or the right conditions, and a first win has a habit of unlocking something. But six races without a victory, and a recent trend in the wrong direction, means Uppercase needs to find something extra soon. One to watch — with cautious optimism.