The weekend winner total of seven proved there is no let up in the Aidan O'Brien success story this season and it can be confirmed yet again with another couple of successes at Gowran today. The Ballydoyle trainer runs the Moyglare Stud Stakes third, Shahtoush, in the first division of the maiden and, although there are some interesting newcomers in against her, the Alzao filly is very hard to oppose.
The only worry is that Shahtoush is still a maiden after four starts when she obviously possesses better than average ability. However, judged on her second to Alborada in the Park Stakes, Shahtoush looks to have got back on the right track and at her best she could emerge as different class to this opposition.
O'Brien has two in the second division, including the Sadler's Wells filly, Star Begonia, but preference is for Geisha Girl, who ran a nice third to Queen Of Silk on her debut here last month.
O'Brien, though, may not have too long to wait for compensation. Penndara was one of the better Irish novice chasers last season but will have to be at his best to compete successfully with the likes of the Galway Plate winner, Stroll Home, and Beakstown in the Careys Cottage Handicap Chase.
O'Brien's strapping grey looks up to it, however, judged on a highly promising return to the track over hurdles at Listowel last month. With the benefit of that effort under his belt, Penndara should strip a lot fitter today and his neat jumping should allow him to get into a good position before being unleashed by Charlie Swan in the straight.
Daniel Loughnane had a rather uncomfortable time in the early stages of Liscahill Hill's debut over today's course and distance last month when the six-year-old pulled hard in the early stages. Despite that, the partnership was clear entering the straight but just tired enough for Kilcalm King to beat him by a head.
If Lischaill Hill is more amenable to restraint this time, Loughnane should be able to guide him to the line ahead of Native Estates, second to The Oozler at Fairyhouse at the start of April.
Another horse who ran on this course last time is Jessica Harrington's Joleah, who stepped up on previous efforts to run second to Challenger Two over seven furlongs. Joleah is going the right way and with two furlongs extra to travel in the Royal Oak Nursery, is selected. Lady Oranswell won really well at Fairyhouse last Wednesday and may be still ahead of the handicapper in the apprentice handicap. Sheefin could be the danger. Shuil Na Mhuire is hard to get away from as the likely winner of the Wexford Handicap Chase.
