He arrives as a 4-year-old, which is worth noting. Most horses with big ambitions are racing by the time they turn two or three, so stepping out for the first time at four suggests the team at Summerhill have been patient — whether that's down to physical development, minor setbacks, or simply waiting for the right moment, we can't say. What we can say is that trainer A J Martin is in decent form this season, with 15 winners already sent out from the yard in Co. Meath. That is a yard operating with confidence, and a debut runner from a trainer in that kind of form is always worth a second look.
Whether Roi Du Nord lives up to his bloodlines is something only the track can answer. First-time runners are the ultimate lottery — but this one comes with some interesting ingredients.