Con McSweeney

The most intriguing thread running through his short career so far is his partnership with Russellsbelle. Seven races together and no wins yet — which is the kind of stat that can mean two things. Either horse and trainer have not quite clicked, or they are patiently waiting for the right opportunity. Whether that patience pays off is one of the small storylines worth following as McSweeney continues to build his operation.

One genuinely encouraging sign: on slightly soft, damp ground, McSweeney has won 1 from 3 — roughly 1 in 3, which is a dramatically better return than his overall numbers suggest. That is too small a sample to draw firm conclusions from, but it hints that he may have a good eye for placing his horses when conditions suit. A trainer who knows when the ground is in his favour is worth watching when the rain comes.