Theflyingking

The recent form tells an interesting story. Reading the last six results from newest to oldest — fifth, second, pulled up or fell, first, second, second — there's a horse that clearly knows how to finish close to the front, but one that hasn't always had a smooth passage. That run where he didn't complete the course will concern nobody who understands the context, and his overall record of 1 win and 4 placed efforts from 6 races suggests he's been competitive far more often than his single win implies.

What makes this worth watching is the Elliott connection. His yard has sent out 210 winners already this season — a number that reflects one of the most powerful training operations in Ireland. Horses don't leave Longwood without a plan, and Elliott has indicated Theflyingking could be aimed at the Albert Bartlett, one of the most prestigious staying races for younger horses at the Cheltenham Festival. That's a significant target, and the trainer's description of him as "a nice stayer" is about as pointed a hint as you'll get from a man who chooses his words carefully.

After his most recent run at Down Royal, Elliott noted that the horse jumped brilliantly but just made one small error at a crucial fence — the kind of thing that can be the difference between winning and not winning at the top level. The fact that Elliott's first instinct was relief that horse and jockey were fine, before immediately discussing the performance, tells you this is a yard that takes the long view. Theflyingking is active right now, raced just a day ago, and with a big spring target apparently on the agenda, the most interesting chapter of his career may be just getting started.