Gold Cup contender Quito De La Roque shines at Thurles
C. A. Murphy’s French raider Quito De La Roque, whose connections are hoping for a crack in the Gold Cup, registered his first victory for 14 months, when grabbing the top position comfortably in the Grade 2 Matty Ryan Memorial Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles on Thursday, January 17th.
In the hands of Paul Townend, the 9-year-old created a massive upset, beating the 15-8 favourite, Roi Du Mee, by six and a half lengths. Carrying the odds of 12 to 1, he tracked the leader in second early on.
After the seventh fence, the dashing horse managed to get disputed lead, but still there was plenty of work to do. He led narrowly at the following fence.
Roi Du Mee kept him under tremendous pressure until the straight, when he pumped up the speed, and went very clear.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned stayed on well towards the finish, and comfortably secured the first place. On the other hand, Gordon Elliott’s favourite horse lost his rhythm after taking lead in the beginning.
He lost the entire advantage approaching straight, and failed to make an impression on the winner in the final moments. Staying on same pace hurt his cause badly.
“He's taken a little bit longer this year to come to himself. He's had more than his fair share of niggly problems with his sinuses and his back and so forth. We've had stops and starts with him but it's nice to be back on track. He's entered in the Hennessy and Gold Cup, we don't have that many options with him," Murphy said after the race.
The son of Saint Des Saints did a great job during last two winters. After bagging four consecutive wins in early 2011, he went on vacations, and stayed out of action until November.
He impressed everyone on his comeback, and defeated Sizing Europe in the Grade 1 Nwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal. The Robert Mongin-bred had been struggling since then.
After finished third in three consecutive races, the French horse suffered yet another defeat last month, when ending up sixth behind Tidal.
The fresh success, however, must have given a push to his confidence, and he now looks a solid contender for Cheltenham’s Gold Cup.
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