Horses who have failed to justify the shortest of odds

Ajman Princess lines up in the final race at Lingfield on Friday, a 1m2f fillies’ maiden (5.00), as the seemingly unbeatable favourite.

She is yet to win but has finished second in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and is as short as 1-40, yes 1-40, to beat her three rivals.

5.00 Lingfield card and betting

However, the wise old heads will tell you that she is not home and hosed just yet, as these shock results show:

Douvan (Cheltenham, March 2017)
Beaten at 2-9

The one horse that had to win at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. He was unbeaten for trainer Willie Mullins and fully expected to add the Champion Chase to his haul of wins.

Distress signals went out early though and he could manage only seventh behind Special Tiara. He was subsequently found to have injured his pelvis.

Zaynar (Kelso, February 2010)
Beaten at 1-14

Winner of the Triumph Hurdle the previous season and an impressive scorer in the Relkeel Hurdle on his most recent start, Zaynar headed to Kelso for what appeared to be a straightforward Champion Hurdle prep in the Morebattle Hurdle.

But on sticky, holding ground Zaynar could not peg back Quwetwo, who ploughed through the ground to land a most unlikely success and leave Zaynar’s connections red-faced.

Triple Dip (Lingfield, March 2015)
Beaten at 1-20

All-weather maidens during the winter can often be uncompetitive affairs, and that is how is looked when Triple Dip lined up against three opponents in a 1m4f contest at Lingfield.

Bounced out in front, Triple Dip was expected to cruise around to success but found herself challenged and then passed by Mercy Me, who was eased down to win by just over a length looking more like a 1-16 shot than a 16-1 chance.

But when it all goes right . . .

Stand Guard (Southwell, January 2014)
Won at 1-80

The winningmost horse on the all-weather in Britain has never had an easier task than when landing a seller at Southwell in 2014.

With three withdrawals on the day of the race, including nemesis La Estrella, Stand Guard cantered around to beat his one rival, who was rated a massive 43lb lower.