Winston's Oath

The Class 5 level — the entry-level tier of British racing — is where Winston's Oath has spent most of its time, and even there, it hasn't managed a win from three attempts. That matters because Class 5 is precisely where horses like this are supposed to get their moment. It isn't a question of the competition being too tough; it's simply that the win hasn't come. Two places from nine races means Winston's Oath has finished in the top three just over one in every four times out, which shows some ability, but ability without a win starts to look like a puzzle that needs solving.

There are reasons to stay interested, though. Dylan Cunha's yard has sent out 45 winners this season, which tells you this is a training operation that knows how to get horses winning. Winston's Oath raced just yesterday, meaning it is fit and actively campaigning right now. The back-to-back thirds in its recent form are arguably the most encouraging thing on its record — a sign that it is running consistently enough to matter, even if the breakthrough remains elusive. For a horse still only four years old with a trainer who clearly has things working at Newmarket, the story isn't over yet. It just needs the right day.