Al Za'ama

What makes the situation interesting is the yard behind it. Andrew Balding's operation at Kingsclere in Hampshire has been in outstanding form, sending out 204 winners this season alone — a number that reflects one of the most productive training yards in the country right now. When a trainer is firing in winners at that rate, the horses around them tend to improve simply from being part of a well-drilled, confident setup. Al Za'ama hasn't shown much yet, but it is learning its trade in good company.

Having raced just three times, there is still plenty of room to figure things out. Some horses take half a dozen runs just to understand what is being asked of them. Al Za'ama ran again only yesterday, so the team clearly believes there is something worth persevering with. Whether that patience pays off remains to be seen.