Croi Gra

What makes the profile more interesting than the bare numbers suggest is the trajectory. The most recent two results, reading from latest first, show a run outside the places followed by that third-place finish in the earlier race. That means the horse has not yet built on its best effort, which is something the yard will be looking to address. At three years old, there is plenty of time for things to click, and horses at this stage of their career are still learning what racing is all about.

Croi Gra raced just one day ago, so this is very much a horse in the middle of its season rather than one looking back on it. It is trained by Miss Natalia Lupini, who operates out of Banbridge in County Down. The yard has sent out 15 winners already this season, which tells you something important: this is not an outfit that simply makes up the numbers. When a trainer of that productivity sends a young horse out twice in quick succession, it usually means they see something worth developing. Fifteen winners from a yard based in Co Down is a solid, active operation — the kind of team that knows when to be patient and when to push.

Croi Gra has not won yet, but zero from two is hardly a verdict on a three-year-old still finding its feet. The one to watch for is whether a first win comes soon — with an active yard behind it and a race just yesterday, it will not be long before we find out.