Cockleshell on the right road
Edward O’Grady’s charge has only had four runs in his life and clearly has a lot of scope for improvement.
A Fairyhouse bumper winner to the tune of 11 lengths, he made his debut over flights with a promising fifth behind Persian City at Punchestown.
Then on New Year’s Day, back at Fairyhouse, he went off a strong favourite in a two and a half mile maiden hurdle.
The selection made no mistake, battling on dourly to beat Themoonandsixpence by six lengths. It would be wrong to over-rate the form, Themoonandsixpence has been beaten in the meantime, but Cockleshell Road appears rapidly on the upgrade and is the nap choice.
On The Way Out, a dual winner over hurdles and a creditable ninth behind behind Penny’s Bill over an inadequate two miles in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown, has to be respected.
If Tinakellylad decides to put his best foot forward then he will prove hard to beat in the Fethard Maiden Hurdle.
He was a very costly failure at Limerick at Christmas, trailing home a mile behind in fifth in the contest won by Inagh Valley.
Previously, however, his close third to Quiscover Fontaine and Kandari, both successful since, would entitle him to go close in most contests of this type.
Vintage Oak, who arrives with a big reputation from the point-to-point fields and with Ruby Walsh booked, is worth noting in the market.
Robert Tyner’s Callherwhatulike is growing a trifle frustrating, but is entitled to another chance in the Kilcash Chase.
She hasn’t performed too badly in competitive Leopardstown handicaps of late and has plenty going for her now.
