Midsummer Storm

What gives the picture a more optimistic frame is the yard behind the horse. Trainer K R Burke, based at Coverham in North Yorkshire, has sent out 140 winners already this season — a remarkable output that puts the operation among the most productive in Britain. When a yard is firing at that rate, the horses in its care tend to find their opportunity eventually, and Midsummer Storm has the backing of a team that clearly knows how to get a horse to the winner's enclosure.

Having raced just yesterday, Midsummer Storm is very much an active, ongoing story. With only three races to go on, it is early days — plenty of horses take time to find their feet and work out what is being asked of them. The next run will be worth watching closely.