Malikanna

That second place is the bright spot worth holding onto. It shows Malikanna can get into contention and run a competitive race when things click, which at least gives trainer Padraig Roche something to work with. Roche operates out of Coolaghknock Glebe in County Kildare and has sent out eight winners already this season, so the yard is clearly capable of getting horses to perform. The question is whether they can find the right opportunity to get Malikanna over the line.

Jockey Aidan Kelly has been the regular partner, riding the horse in five of its nine races without managing a win. That kind of patience between a jockey and a horse can sometimes pay off when the right conditions finally arrive, but five races together with no return is a combination that will need to change its luck soon. Malikanna raced just one day ago, so the team is keeping the horse busy and clearly has not given up on finding that elusive first victory.