Eze Sur Mer

What makes the picture a little more encouraging is who has the horse in their care. The yard of Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, based in Elmbridge, Worcestershire, has sent out 49 winners already this season — that is a training operation that clearly knows how to get horses ready to win races. When a stable is firing at that level, there is at least reason to believe that improvement can be coaxed out of a young horse that has not yet found its best form. Eze Sur Mer raced just one day ago, so the team is keeping it busy, which suggests they are searching for the right opportunity rather than losing faith.

At three years old, there is time on its side. Some horses of this age take a while to mature and figure out what is being asked of them. The consistent fourth-place finishes hint at a horse that is learning without yet being able to close the deal. Whether that changes soon is the question — but with a busy, successful yard behind it, Eze Sur Mer has better support than most horses still chasing a first win.