Quito De La Roque poised for Lexus glory
Colm Murphy’s charge has a most progressive profile and will be seeking a six straight win now.
He produced an amazing performance on his reappearance to take another Grade 1, the JNwine.com Champion Chase, at Down Royal last month.
Quito De La Roque struggled for most of the contest, but simply roared home to grab Sizing Europe and score by a length and a quarter.
The selection had a very hard race that day, but has been given a long break and chances are will have come on a bundle for the much-needed outing.
Willie Mullins’ Mourad can land the nap in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle, even though having a bit to find with the admirable Voler La Vedette on their running in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse last time.
Voler La Vedette swept to the front going to the last and surged three and threequarter lengths clear of her rival.
But that was Mourad’s first outing for a while, he reopposes on 2lbs better terms and, unlike Voler La Vedette, is guaranteed to stay three miles.
Mullins has a very strong hand through the card and can begin the day by taking the Madigans Maiden Hurdle with Make Your Mark.
The ex-winning pointer created a favourable impression when landing a Punchestown bumper by 11 lengths.
Mullins could also have the answer to the Grade 1 Topaz Fort Leney Novice Chase, which has the makings of a terrific contest, with Allee Garde.
He meets horses here who have a much higher profile, but was impressive when scoring over fences at the first time of asking at Clonmel and will relish going three miles.
Yet another Mullins possibility is Quiscover Fontaine in the Star Best For Racing Coverage Rated Hurdle. A smart sort, when on song, he should be all the better for a run in a handicap at Fairyhouse and this is a very suitable opportunity.
