Von Dutch

The recent form makes for interesting reading. A 13th on debut was rough, but since then Von Dutch has steadily improved, posting a fifth, then a third, a fourth, and most recently another third — just one day ago. That kind of upward curve from a young horse is exactly what a trainer hopes to see. It is not yet winning, but it is learning, and the direction of travel is the right one.

The yard behind it gives cause for optimism. Kevin Philippart De Foy has sent out 41 winners this season from his Newmarket base, which is a strong operation by any measure. Newmarket is the heartland of British flat racing — almost every serious trainer wants a yard there — and having a young horse in that environment, with that level of support around it, means Von Dutch is in the right hands if a first win is to come.