Miss Gherkin certainly in spicy form

In-form mare Miss Gherkin (7/2jf) was strong off the front in the Copper Coast Handicap Hurdle over an extended two miles at Tramore.

She picked up an early lead over the first and was still tanking along before two out. At this stage Up And Look looked a significant threat as she made stealthy headway for Jack Kennedy into second, however, she weakened in third after jumping that obstacle.

Miss Gherkin powered clear of Forever Frankie before the last but gave her backers a scare as she dived at it. Jordan Gainford grabbed hold of the reins and the duo sailed in by six lengths.

Forever Frankie (10/1) picked up a runner-up prize and was eight-and-a-half-lengths clear of Up And Out at 14/1.

Trainer Peter Croke said: "She is a really good mare. She got a great bit of confidence from her win at Leopardstown and the better ground is suiting her.

"She always worked like a good mare and showed promise. She ran well in a Listed bumper at Limerick after being a little bit far back.

"She is class and we will pick something out for her in a couple of weeks, we will see how she is at home."

Miss Gherkin followed up on a victory over two miles at Leopardstown last month.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy