Black Storm

Scott, based in the Scottish Borders, acquired Black Storm recently from the sales after he had spent time in Ireland, where he built solid form—including a win at Dundalk and a third-place finish at Down Royal in June. The horse is a big, strapping animal, exactly the type that can take time to settle into a new yard and new conditions. His recent form tells the story of a horse learning: in his last six races, he has finished in the placings five times (a second, two thirds, a fourth, and a fifth, before the win), suggesting he is knocking on the door. Scott's yard has sent out 17 winners already this season, so he is in a capable stable that knows how to get horses performing.

At Class 5 level—the lower tiers of racing—Black Storm has yet to break his duck from four attempts, but his latest victory at Catterick Bridge proves he can win when conditions align. Whether he becomes a regular in the winner's circle or remains a horse that wins occasionally remains to be seen, but yesterday's success shows there is real ability in there waiting to be unlocked.