Another 1 in the tank ?

Notice many trainers (and some jockeys), when interviewed after a horse has finally cracked his/her maiden, say the horse "might have another 1 in the tank" !

Not sure where this cliche originated from but as an owner these words send a chill down my spine. "Might?". Does this mean hopefully in 3 years time, with a bit of luck ? Or pay and pray ? Or we lucky we won a race, and/or this horse is way below average. One really gets worried when one's horse ran way behind that horse who shed his/her maiden at the 30th attempt and the trainer resignedly utters those words.

Cuckoo a jock got of my horse many runs ago after a poor run and said the horse will win again - the guy has not been closer in his last seven starts and if he places again it will be a miracle - not worth his riding fee