Ephyra

Trainer Andy Irvine, who operates out of Ashurstwood in East Sussex, is clearly patient with her. His yard has sent out four winners this season, and he believes Ephyra has the breeding and the ability to eventually deliver. He has been open about the fact that she is only just finding her feet again after the injury, describing her return as still early days — though he also points to an unusual pedigree and the hope that she can win some decent races once she is properly back to herself.

The recent form gives a little encouragement. After a run of blank results, she posted a second-place finish two races ago — her best effort of the current campaign and a sign that she is at least getting competitive again. Jockey Caoilin Quinn has partnered her five times without a win, but their association looks set to continue as the team tries to find the right opportunity. Ephyra typically runs in Class 4 company — solid, mid-tier races — and has yet to win at that level across four attempts, though in fairness she has been working through the after-effects of a serious injury for much of that time.

She raced just one day ago, so this is a horse very much in the middle of her season right now. Whether she is ready to turn that recent placed effort into an actual win remains to be seen, but for anyone following Andy Irvine's yard, she is one to keep an eye on — a horse with an interesting background, a setback overcome, and what her trainer clearly believes is unfinished business.