Periwinkle the pick of a moderate contest

PERIWINKLE LAD, the medium of some less than complimentary remarks by his trainer in the past, gets the nap to defy top weight in the Pickardstown Handicap Hurdle at Tramore this afternoon.

Eric McNamara’s gelding has, however, got his act together of late and looks well capable of landing this moderate contest. He foiled a morning-price gamble on Arthur Daly at Thurles and then performed creditably when third to Yukon at Cork.

The selection’s latest effort, at Limerick four days ago, was another reasonable performance. Predictably, he was no match for the very well handicapped Tony Martin trained Bizet, finishing three and a half lengths second. Periwinkle Lad faced an impossible task, meeting that rival at levels, and the form was boosted when remote fifth Brave Eagle scored subsequently, also at Limerick.