Chasing Time

The first win came at Wolverhampton in April, a solid opening chapter. But it's what happened next that tells you more: Chasing Time came back, finished third, then turned up at Newmarket — one of the most storied and competitive tracks in British racing — and won again just this week. Wolverhampton is a reliable, professional track. Newmarket is where reputations are made. Winning there at three years old, on fast, dry ground, against horses that have had every chance to improve over a season, is exactly the kind of result that makes trainers and owners start thinking bigger.

Speaking of trainers, Chasing Time sits in one of the most productive yards in the country. Charlie Appleby, based in Newmarket, has already sent out 121 winners this season — a number that reflects not just talent but a relentlessly well-organised operation. Appleby's stable regularly produces horses that go on to compete at the very highest level, so the company Chasing Time is keeping behind the scenes is worth noting.

With only three races on the clock, there is still a lot of the story left to write. But the early chapters are genuinely compelling. A horse that wins two of its first three races, shows it can bounce back after a setback, and does it all at one of England's most prestigious venues is one that casual observers and seasoned racegoers alike will want to keep an eye on as the summer progresses.