Bumaan

That said, it would be harsh to write Bumaan off entirely. Two races is a tiny sample, and plenty of horses take time to find their feet. The direction of travel is at least mildly encouraging — going from sixth to fifth suggests some improvement, even if it remains modest.

What works in Bumaan's favour is the team behind the horse. Trainer George Boughey operates out of Newmarket, the heartland of British flat racing, and has sent out 105 winners already this season — a remarkable level of output that marks his yard as one of the most productive in the country right now. Horses in that environment tend to get every opportunity to develop and improve, and Bumaan, last seen racing just three weeks ago, clearly still has a future in the sport. Whether that future involves winning races remains the question.