Vitality

The recent form reads 9-6-4-2-3 going back through the last five races, and what that sequence actually shows is a horse that was well beaten early on and has been gradually finding its feet. That second place and third place in the most recent couple of runs suggest Vitality is improving and getting competitive — which, for a young horse still learning its trade, is exactly the kind of trajectory you want to see. Raced just yesterday, this is a horse very much in the thick of its season right now.

The trainer behind it all is Charlie Johnston, whose operation at Middleham Moor has been in seriously impressive form — 131 winners already this season from one yard is a remarkable output, and it tells you this is one of the sharpest training setups in British racing right now. Johnston knows how to place a horse and find the right race at the right time, so if Vitality keeps knocking on the door like this, it probably won't be long before the team finds the opportunity for a breakthrough.