Lady Lilac

What makes her recent form particularly telling is the ten-month gap since that win at Killarney. In her last six races, Lady Lilac has recorded two third-place finishes and a fifth, but nothing better—a stretch that suggests the margins have been working against her. She was last seen in the paddock just a day ago and remains very much active, so the yard are clearly still hunting for another opportunity.

Gary Carroll, her most frequent jockey, has partnered her in six races and managed to steer her to that single success—a 17% win rate when the two are together, which is notably better than her overall record. It hints that Carroll understands what this horse needs. She races for Joseph G Murphy's yard at Fethard in County Tipperary, a stable that has been quietly competitive this season with thirteen winners to its name. For a horse like Lady Lilac, consistency is almost a virtue in itself. She may not be a Group race prospect, but she is the sort that keeps a trainer's record ticking over and gives her the yard something genuine to work with on the right day.