Whernside

Before those encouraging placings, Whernside finished seventh on its first outing, so the improvement has been clear and fairly rapid. Going from seventh to second twice in a row is the kind of progression that keeps a trainer interested. The question now is whether it can convert that consistency into an actual victory.

It is trained by Edward Bethell at Middleham in North Yorkshire, one of the great racing towns in Britain, where the moorland gallops have been producing winners for centuries. Bethell's yard has sent out 59 winners already this season, which tells you this is a stable that knows how to get a horse ready to win. Whernside raced just yesterday and is clearly in an active campaign, which means Bethell is keeping it busy and looking for the right opportunity. With the form it has been showing lately, that opportunity may not be far away.