Hamadhan

The most encouraging number in the picture is that third-place finish, which stands out against a backdrop of mid-pack and towards-the-rear results. It's a slim thread to pull on, but it at least suggests the horse can compete on its day. Racing just yesterday, Hamadhan is clearly an active runner whose the yard are still searching for the right opportunity.

The yard behind the horse, trained by Jennie Candlish out of Basford in Staffordshire, is having a productive season — 61 winners sent out this term is a healthy total and speaks to a trainer who knows how to get results. That context matters: when a capable yard keeps running a horse, it usually means they believe there's a performance in there somewhere. Whether Hamadhan can find it remains the question.