Klassy Pearl

The recent form makes for interesting reading. After a pair of encouraging second-place finishes in the middle of that run, Klassy Pearl has since slipped back, finishing sixth and eighth in her two most recent outings before running sixth again on her latest appearance, just one day ago. That dip after the placed efforts suggests she found her level briefly but couldn't sustain it, which is the challenge facing the yard as they try to work out exactly where and when she can be at her best.

Jockey Richard Patrick has partnered her five times without a win between them, so that combination is still looking for its breakthrough together. Trainer Clive Boultbee-Brooks, based at Woolhope in Herefordshire, has sent out nine winners this season, which shows the yard is capable of getting horses to the line first — Klassy Pearl just hasn't been one of them yet. She typically races at Class 4 level, which sits in the middle of the British racing ladder, not the very top but not the bottom either. The fact that she hasn't won any of her four races at that level suggests the team may need to consider whether dropping her into slightly softer company could finally give her the opportunity to shine.

At six, she isn't getting any younger, but horses can absolutely find their way to a first win at this age, and two placed finishes at least confirm she isn't hopelessly out of her depth. The team will be hoping the penny drops soon.