Classy Quevega can follow up
Quevega is now in the care of Willie Mullins, whose horses have been in cracking form over many months.
She made an excellent start in this country at Punchestown in February, after proving a big order morning-prices and on track.
The four-year-old didn’t disappoint, sitting in behind the strong pace set by market-leader Sivota for much of the journey. In front shortly after the second last, Quevega wasn’t extended in beating her rival by six lengths.
Mourne Rambler is a worthy opponent, having graduated from maiden company to outbattle Wheels Up at Naas.
The other interesting one is Tom Foley’s Playing, the mount of Mick Fitzgerald, who was also formerly trained in France.
Obviously, a useful sort, he hasn’t been seen since winning a Grade 3 chase at Auteuil in March of last year.
A fascinating little contest then, but you’d imagine Quevega is pencilled in for a rise in class come the Punchestown Festival and has to be the choice.
Ruby Walsh partners Quevega and he and Mullins can complete a double with Rosy Cyborg in the Inistioge Maiden Hurdle.
Rosy Cyborg was a very costly failure at Thurles just under four weeks ago when failing to justify odds of 2-7.
He tried to make all, but was grabbed in the final strides and beaten a neck by Follow The Plan, who has since finished a creditable and close third behind Enter The Indian and Northern Alliance in a Fairyhouse handicap.
Rosy Cyborg now has an extra half mile and testing conditions with which to contend, so it seems reasonable to assume more restraint will be exercised on this occasion.
