Highland Reel gives heart and soul but has yet to feel the love

For most of his life Highland Reel has been seen as little more than an opportunistic thief. He waits until wealthy men take their eye off their buffalo-hide briefcases – or women their crocodile-skin handbags – and deftly makes the snatch.

A version of that came to pass in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. When Flintshire and Found weren’t watching he stole into the lead, went clear before halfway and looted the prize from under aristocratic noses. Same thing in last year’s King George. He loitered long after most had stayed at home, then plundered when Postponed, the 1-2 favourite, was a late withdrawal.

Even though he has danced every dance, it’s been the story of Highland Reel’s career. Or at least, that’s what many would have you believe. He’s the grand larcenist, the arch-imposter, the horse who should never have come anywhere close to winning six Group or Grade 1 races.