White Storm

The most recent run came just yesterday, which means White Storm is firmly in the middle of its season with the team actively campaigning it. That recent placing — a runner-up finish — is the best result of the three outings, and the direction of travel matters as much as the raw numbers here. Sixth, then fifth, then second is a horse finding its feet and improving with experience, not one spinning its wheels.

The yard behind it gives White Storm every chance. Simon and Ed Crisford operate out of Newmarket — one of British racing's most important training centres — and have sent out 78 winners this season alone. That is a serious volume of success, and it reflects an operation that knows how to get horses race-ready and place them where they can compete. When a yard of that calibre keeps running a horse, it is usually because they believe in what they are seeing at home on the gallops.

White Storm has not won yet, but zero from three is far less damning when you look at how those races have unfolded. Some horses take a handful of outings just to understand what racing is asking of them, and the step up from fifth to second suggests this one is beginning to figure it out. The next run will be watched with interest.