Hobart

Trained by J A Nash at The Curragh in Co. Kildare, Hobart is part of a yard that has sent out just one winner so far this season, so this is not a stable currently firing on all cylinders. What is mildly encouraging is that Hobart's recent form shows a degree of consistency — a third and back-to-back second-place finishes in three of its last six races suggest the horse is competitive and placing well, even if the winner's enclosure remains out of reach. The two blank runs either side of that sequence, including a finish of 11th and 12th, show the inconsistency that has likely defined its career to this point.

Racing just one day ago, Hobart is clearly an active, well-campaigned horse. The big question at this stage of its career is whether that first win ever comes. Four places from 14 races tells you it is not out of its depth — horses that are completely outclassed simply do not keep placing — but there is clearly something stopping it from converting. Whether that is a matter of finding the right race, the right conditions, or simply the right day, only time will tell.