Naples

What's striking is the inconsistency since that breakthrough. After winning at Listowel, Naples has raced six more times without adding to the tally. The last six outings tell a bumpy story: second, second, third, fifth, 21st, and then 12th most recently, just a day ago. Those placings show it can run well on its day, but something is missing — whether that's luck, confidence, or a course and distance formula that simply hasn't repeated. Eleven months without a win is a long drought after finally getting off the mark.

Trainer Steph Hollinshead, based at Upper Longdon in Staffordshire, has sent out 7 winners this season and clearly believes there is more to come from Naples. The next logical move would be to get the horse back to 1m1f or 1m2f where it has shown promise, and perhaps back to a place where its only win has come. For a 4-year-old with genuine ability at the right distance but also a frustrating habit of running poorly, Naples is a work in progress — useful enough to warrant another try, but not yet reliable.