Tuesday 3rd March 2026
Following an underwhelming day on Monday where we failed to land a blow, we go again on Tuesday, with our first selection of the day coming within the 2.55 at Leopardstown. This is a handicap hurdle over two miles and two and half of a furlong, and I think that there should be more to come from SHODA here for Joseph O’Brien, who’s to be ridden by J J Slevin. She was decent on the flat, rated 83 after her most recent win on the level, and she finished third behind Ballyfad and Leader d’Allier on hurdles debut, which is strong form. Most recently, she finished ninth in a competitive eighteen-runner affair at the Dublin Racing Festival, in what was her handicap debut. That wasn’t a bad run at all; she’s unexposed, and there should almost certainly be more to come from her over obstacles.
Shoda (4/1) (Win) – 2.55 Leopardstown.
We stay at Leopardstown for our second selection, and the 3.25, which is a handicap hurdle that’s ridden over a distance of three miles. Henry De Bromhead could well hold the key in this particular affair with POOKIE HOLLER, who’s the mount of Darragh O’Keeffe. He showed promise within maiden company; however, posted his best effort to date on his handicap debut at Thurles last time out in January, finishing second of ten and three and a quarter of a length behind the winner. He was nine and a half lengths in front of the horse in the third on that occasion, and there likely is more to come from him now he’s upped to three miles here. He’s four pounds higher, however, a bold showing would be no surprise.
Pookie Holler (3/1) (Win) (NAP) – 3.25 Leopardstown.
It’s over to Newcastle for our third selection of the afternoon, and this comes within the 3.35, which is a Class 4 handicap hurdle over two miles and seven and a half furlongs. Nick Alexander has a strong hand here, and he could take the spoils with WHISKEY ON ICE, who’s the mount of ten-pound claimer Dominic Hislop. He showed significant improvement on his second start for this yard last time out, finishing second of eight over three miles at Musselburgh last month, in what was also his handicap debut. He’s been left on the same mark by the handicapper for this assignment, which makes him a significant player with ten pounds coming off his back via Hislop’s claim. I think that he could go very well.
Whiskey On Ice (10/3) (Win) (NB) – 3.35 Newcastle.
Our fourth and final selection of the day on Tuesday comes on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, and within the 5.25, which is a Class 4 handicap over a mile and six furlongs. I think that another chance can be given to the Andrew Balding-trained SHRIMP SHADY here, who’s to be ridden by Rob Hornby. He looked an awkward ride here last time out when finishing fourth of eight; however, that was a Class 3 event, and he was sent off the 2/1 favourite. He’s stepped up in distance here, which could bring out further improvement given his pedigree. He’s also been dropped a further two pounds for that effort, and there should be more to come from this four-year-old by Mastercraftsman.
Shrimp Shady (4/1) (Win) – 5.25 Wolverhampton.
