Canopus

The one bright spot is that second place, which at least proves Canopus can compete. But 0 wins from 8 races, and 0 wins from 3 outings at Class 4 level — the kind of races where horses of this profile are expected to be competitive — means the pressure is building to convert a placing into an actual victory. Two places from eight races amounts to finishing in the top three just a quarter of the time, with nothing to show in the winner's enclosure.

What works in Canopus's favour is where it is trained. Gary and Josh Moore's yard at Lower Beeding in West Sussex has sent out 99 winners already this season — that is a stable firing on all cylinders, and horses trained there tend to be placed with care. When a yard of that quality keeps running a horse, it usually means they see something worth persevering with. Canopus raced just one day ago, so it is clearly fit and active, and the team has not given up on finding the right opportunity. The first win, when it comes, will be a long time coming — but in a yard producing winners at this rate, the belief is clearly still there.