Escaria Ten

His recent form tells a more encouraging story. Three of his last four completed races have produced a third or fourth place, which suggests he is running consistently and competitively even if the winner's enclosure remains elusive. Jockey James Best has partnered him six times without a win, but the pair clearly have an established relationship, and trainer Martin Keighley — whose yard at Luckley in Gloucestershire has sent out 19 winners already this season — has shown faith in keeping the combination together.

What makes Escaria Ten genuinely intriguing is a thread running through comments from two different trainers at different points in his career. Gordon Elliott, who trained him earlier, noted that he was still raw and that a cleaner jump at the last fence might have meant a win. Separately, Keighley has spoken about finding the right trip for him, specifically stepping back to two miles five furlongs after he was failing to see out longer distances — believing that distance could really suit a horse he regards as having a touch of class. Rider Jack Kennedy echoed that, pointing to a strong round of jumping and real promise when the trip was right.

At 12 years old, Escaria Ten is not a young project. But he is still racing — he ran just yesterday — and the team around him clearly believe there is a performance worth waiting for. Some horses find their moment late. Whether Escaria Ten has one left in him is the question his supporters keep showing up to answer.