Kai Lung

The horse is trained by W. P. Mullins at Muine Bheag in County Carlow — a major Irish racing operation that has already sent out 215 winners this season. That context matters: Mullins is one of the country's leading trainers, which means Kai Lung, despite its modest record, is in a yard with serious resources and know-how. The fact that the trainer keeps running the horse regularly, including just yesterday, suggests there is still belief that it can find more success. The three placings in its last six races hint that Kai Lung is capable of running into the frame, even if outright victories have dried up. At four years old, the horse is still young enough to improve or find a race that suits, though the eight-month gap since that Naas win shows how difficult that search has become.