Fleur De Provence

At three years old, she is still right at the beginning of her story, and there is every reason to think a win is coming. What makes her situation particularly interesting is who is doing the training. D K Weld, based at the Curragh in Co Kildare, is one of the most respected names in Irish racing, and the yard has already sent out 29 winners this season alone — that is the kind of operation that knows exactly what it has and when to run it. A horse doesn't keep finishing second by accident; it finishes second because it belongs at that level and is closing in on the right opportunity.

She raced just yesterday, so she is as current as it gets. With two races done and a clear pattern of competitive finishing, the next start will be worth watching closely. The first win, when it comes, will feel well overdue.