Harty happy to play it cool with Coney Eddie Harty is in no hurry to commit Coney Island to a specific race at the Cheltenham Festival. The County Kildare handler has the choice of the three-mile RSA Chase and the JLT Novices' Chase over two and a half mile for his talented six-year-old. Coney Island has classy form at Grade One level over both distances, winning the Drinmore over the shorter trip and finishing a close second to Our Duke over the longer one. "Coney Island had a break after his run at Christmas. He is back now and we are looking forward to March," said Harty. "I thought it was a very good run at Leopardstown. He might have been found out by the three miles on the day, but I could not have been happier. I certainly wouldn't swap him for anything. "I think distances of the JLT and RSA come alike to him to be honest. He has got the pace for two and a half and I think, in the right circumstances, three miles is not a problem either. I am quite happy to go either way. "It is not like he is a dour stayer or just all speed. He seems to have a bit of both and, because of that, it makes sense to wait until nearer the time before deciding his target. "Whether he has another run before Cheltenham, I am not sure. We will just play it by ear."
