Golden Temple

That said, there is a version of Golden Temple that is genuinely competitive, and the numbers tell you exactly when to expect it. On normal ground conditions, the horse has won 3 of 12 races — 25% — which is a strong return. That is the same as one win every four runs, a figure that would make many trainers very happy. Clearly, when the ground suits, Golden Temple is a different proposition. The horse also does its best work over longer distances, those 2 miles and beyond, where it has won 3 from 23 — around 1 in every 8. Stamina appears to be its most reliable weapon.

The partnership with jockey Donagh Meyler has not clicked yet. Seven races together and no wins is a stat worth noting, though it would be unfair to read too much into it without knowing the full picture of those rides. What is harder to ignore is that the horse's last win came at The Curragh, one of Ireland's most prestigious tracks, which suggests it can perform on a big stage when everything lines up.

Golden Temple is trained by Noel Meade at his yard in Castletown, Co Meath — an operation that has sent out 42 winners already this season, which tells you this is not a stable short on ideas or ability. The fact that this particular horse has gone two years without adding to its tally is the puzzle the team is clearly still working to solve. With the right ground underfoot and a trip of 2 miles or more, the pieces are at least in place. Whether Golden Temple can put them together again is the question.