Maximus Meridius

The shape of his form is encouraging. He ran fourth on debut, then improved to second, then third, then third again. That kind of steady progression, even without a breakthrough win, suggests a horse learning the game rather than one struggling hopelessly. Trainer David Loughnane, based at Stoke Heath in Shropshire, has a yard in good form this season with 39 winners already under his belt, so Maximus Meridius is in a stable where horses are being trained to win races. With the recent run coming so fresh, he is clearly still active in the yard's plans and likely to race again soon. Time will tell whether he can convert those placings into victories, but a young horse that keeps finishing close to the front is one worth keeping an eye on.