Nuit

The recent form makes for interesting reading. In her last six races, Nuit has finished second twice, including her most recent run, and also picked up a third place. That means three of her last six outings have ended with a place finish — she is clearly competitive and not disgracing herself. But she has also had a couple of blank efforts in there, finishing fourth, fifth, and tenth at various points, which points to some inconsistency. Horses that blow hot and cold like this can sometimes benefit from a break and a fresh start.

Which is exactly what she has had. Nuit has been off the track for around three months now, and how she returns from that absence will be worth watching. Breaks can sharpen a horse or leave it rusty — there is no way of knowing until the gates open.

What works in her favour is who has her in training. Henry De Bromhead is one of the most respected names in the game, operating out of Knockeen in County Waterford, and his yard has sent out 106 winners already this season — a number that speaks for itself. That kind of operation does not keep running a horse nine times without believing there is something worth persevering with. When a trainer of that calibre keeps putting a horse on the track, it usually means they see potential that the bare results do not yet reflect. Whether Nuit can finally reward that patience and get her nose in front is the question — but she is in the right hands to find out.