Al Zanati

What's particularly interesting about Al Zanati's recent form is the direction of travel. Reading the last four races from most recent back — sixth, second, second, first — might look like a horse going the wrong way, but context matters. That win came first, and the two placed efforts that followed it suggest a horse who has been knocking on the door consistently at a competitive level. A sixth is the one to explain, but three finishes in the top two from four career races is a solid foundation.

The yard behind Al Zanati is one of the most powerful operations in British racing. Charlie Appleby, based at Newmarket, has sent out 121 winners already this season — that's not a trainer who wastes time on horses without a future. When a yard of that size and quality bothers to keep running a young horse, it usually means they see something worth developing. Al Zanati raced just yesterday, so whatever comes next is clearly on the horizon.

At three years old and with only four races under its belt, this is a horse still being figured out. But a 25% win rate — one win from every four races — is a healthy return at this stage, and the Newmarket track record gives it a useful calling card for races to come.