Quito De La Roque looks like a solid Punchestown bet
Published:Quito De La Roque can follow up on his recent victory at Aintree by securing success in the Growise Champion Novice Chase.
Although the Boylesports.com Champion Chase is perhaps the most anticipated race on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival, there are two other Grade One contests also on the card.
Quito De La Roque is 11/4 in the Punchestown odds for the Novice Chase and certainly looks the safest option of the leading challengers.
He may have only won by a neck on his latest start, but seemed to have extra in hand and still triumphed despite a terrible stumble on landing jumping the penultimate fence.
Colm Murphy’s horse has also only lost once this season and despite question marks as to whether he will be suited to the quick ground, his Aintree victory was on a surface classed as good.
Reve De Sivola is another with a chance at 7/1 on his return to novice company, but this may be one race too many at the end of a tough season.
Quel Esprit is 7/2 but his jumping is a major concern after falling on his last two starts, while Loosen My Load certainly has the ability to taste victory, but it remains to be seen whether he will see out all of the 3m1f.
The other Grade One event is the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle and Rathlin can quickly make amends for a disappointing recent defeat at Fairyhouse.
A mistake at the final flight seemingly costs Rathlin victory, but he is 4/1 to put things right at Punchestown.
Hidden Universe is well fancied at 7/2 but has not transferred his high-class bumper form to hurdles, so the main threat may come from 10/3 shot Oilily, who will have no problems with the fast ground.
A £30 stake on the double of Quito De La Roque and Rathlin both winning at Punchstown would return £562.50. New customers can sign up here for a free £30 bet.
