Getting to know you: how keeping track of trainers can give you a punting edge

In the 364 days between his first and second Gold Cup triumph, Al Boum Photo spent a smidgen over 12 minutes, plus a few spins of the paddock, visible to the public. There were 155 days between Pinatubo's debut win and the Dewhurst, but there will be 203 between then and the 2,000 Guineas, should the latter take place as scheduled on May 2.

The point being made, with all the subtlety of a claw hammer, is that horses spend the overwhelming majority of their lives away from the public gaze. For most of the time, that means being in the care of their trainer.

Of course, there is barely a horseracing punter who does not pay some sort of attention to trainers. Whether that is your Uncle Phil who backs Mark Johnston runners blind, or the bookmakers who make the Nicky Henderson runner favourite for the maiden hurdle at Chepstow by default. But just because something is considered it does not mean it is given the weight it warrants.