Binadham

That Great Yarmouth win remains the high point of a career that has otherwise been defined by near-misses. The recent form — a string of seconds and thirds mixed in with the odd disappointing run — paints a picture of a horse that is competitive enough to get involved but hasn't quite been able to push its head in front when it matters. Six races without a win since that breakthrough suggests either the opposition has been a touch too strong, or Binadham saves its best efforts for the places.

The class of race Binadham typically enters is worth noting. Class 4 is the middle tier of British racing — not the glamour end, but not a pushover either — and in five attempts at that level, the record reads zero wins from five. That's a blank sheet, which suggests Binadham may be finding life just a little too competitive at that grade.

The partnership with jockey Benoit De La Sayette is the most encouraging thread to pull on. Together they've won 1 from 5 races — that's 20%, or roughly one in every five rides — which is a genuinely strong number. A jockey winning one in five on a horse that only wins one in sixteen overall suggests De La Sayette gets the best out of this particular animal, and that combination is worth watching whenever it reappears.

Behind the scenes, the team at Newmarket is in good shape. Trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy has sent out 41 winners this season, so this is a yard firing on all cylinders. Binadham may not be the headline act, but it's well-placed to get its chance when the right race comes along. The question is whether that chance comes before the Great Yarmouth win starts to feel more like a fond memory than a launchpad.