Royal Soldier

Gowran Park is a tight, turning track in County Kilkenny that rewards horses who handle a twisty layout, and Royal Soldier clearly took to it. Whether that course suits something about the way the horse moves or simply caught it on a good day, that win two months ago stands as the defining moment of its career so far. Since then there have been no further runs, which suggests the team around it have been patient and selective about when to pitch it back in.

Trained by Mrs Gillian Callaghan, Royal Soldier is part of a small operation that has sent out one winner this season — so this horse is carrying the yard's flag. It is currently active, having raced just yesterday, meaning fresher form may be on the way. With seven races now in the book and a win finally on the record, the question is whether Gowran Park remains the key — and whether the yard can get Royal Soldier back there to find out.