Rajendra

That said, context matters. Rajendra is trained by David Simcock at Newmarket, one of the most respected yards in the country, and a stable that has sent out 39 winners already this season — that is not a yard that gives up on a horse easily. Simcock's operation has a reputation for patient, intelligent placement, so the fact that Rajendra is still being pointed at races — the horse ran just one day ago — suggests the team believes there is more to come.

The fourth-place finish is the most encouraging data point here. It shows Rajendra has been competitive at least once, even if converting that into a win or a place has proved elusive so far. At this stage of a young horse's career, the learning curve is steep, and 3-year-olds often take time to work out what racing actually involves. Whether Rajendra can turn promise into results is the question worth watching.