Kilmac Air

Trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien at Ballyroe in County Tipperary, Kilmac Air at least finds itself in capable hands. O'Brien's yard has sent out 30 winners already this season, which is a healthy return that speaks to a stable in good form and comfortable handling horses at this level. For a horse still learning the ropes, being surrounded by that kind of operation is no small thing — the experience and routine of a busy, winning yard can do a lot for a young horse's development.

At three years old and with only three races to its name, it would be harsh to write Kilmac Air off. Some horses simply take time to find their stride, and a fourth and a third in the mix suggest the talent is there in some form. Whether that eleventh-place finish last time out was a blip or a sign of something more concerning is the question worth watching as the season continues. Racing again just yesterday, updates on how that run went will be the next piece of the puzzle.