Tomthescaffolder

What does give reason for optimism is where this horse calls home. Trained by Henry De Bromhead at his yard in Knockeen, Co Waterford, Tomthescaffolder is in seriously capable hands. De Bromhead's team has sent out 107 winners already this season — that is a remarkable volume of success and puts the yard among the most productive in Ireland. A trainer operating at that level does not keep a horse in work without believing there is something worth finding. The fact that Tomthescaffolder raced just yesterday suggests the team is actively searching for the right opportunity rather than waiting on the sidelines.

With no wins from three races, there is nothing here yet to get excited about on paper. But three races is a small sample, De Bromhead clearly fancies a big season, and a horse that keeps finishing fourth is at least showing up. The breakthrough could still come.