Cloonainra

What is notable about Cloonainra is his work with trainer John C McConnell's yard at Stamullen, a stable that has already sent out 36 winners this season — a sign of a functioning operation with horses that can get the job done. In the saddle, he has been ridden most often by jockey Alex Harvey, though that partnership has yielded just one win from five rides together, a 20 percent win rate that is slightly better than his overall record but hardly a strong foundation. When stepped up to Class 2 company — the top level of racing where the best horses compete — Cloonainra has failed to win in three attempts, and that lack of success at the highest level suggests he may be more comfortable in lower company.

At seven years old, he is approaching the middle years of a racing career, and without a win in nearly a year, Cloonainra is facing the reality that his window for success may be narrowing. He raced just a day ago, so he remains active in competition, but he will need to break his current drought soon to prove he still belongs on the track.