Torphichen set to make mark over fences
A more than useful sort over flights for David Pipe in England, the selection has just run three times in this country.
He began with a cracking effort on the flat at Galway and followed by cruising to a six lengths defeat of Arabella Boy at Naas last December.
O’Grady then gave Torphichen his chance in Grade 1 company in the Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, but he cut little ice and finished seventh of seven behind Solwhit.
The five-year-old remains a promising talent, however, and this is gentle introduction to his new calling.
O’Grady and stable jockey, Andrew McNamara, can initiate a double with once-raced Staying Article in the Christmas Festival Dec. 26-29 Maiden Hurdle.
He made his debut in a bumper at Punchestown last month and, despite being light in the market, scored by 14 lengths.
Francis Flood’s Wicklow Lad should prove hard to beat in the Friends Of Greenmount Handicap Chase.
He struck form with a vengeance when winning by 17 lengths at Thurles last Thursday and runs here under a mandatory 6lbs penalty.
