Lope Y Linda

The real story is in where Lope Y Linda shines. Over distances between seven furlongs and a mile, the horse has won 2 of its 8 races—a much healthier 25 percent win rate—which tells you the sweet spot exists. That winning form came earlier in the season: a victory at Catterick Bridge in May, followed by another win at Ayr in June. Since then, however, the horse has been quiet, finishing second in its most recent outing but going winless through its last six races. That's the kind of dry spell that can test a trainer's patience, though two months between victories is not unusual for a horse at this level.

Where Lope Y Linda struggles is at the top table. When stepped up to Class 6 races—where the better horses compete—it has failed to win in three attempts. The horse plainly belongs in lower-grade company, and Easterby will know that. With only one run in the last week, the yard has kept the horse ticking over, which suggests they have not given up on finding another winning opportunity. Given the horse's preference for 7f to 1m distances and its track record in lesser races, expect to see it return to that proven formula sooner rather than later.