Quito De La Roque Opts for National Hunt Chase Over RSA

Quito De La Roque, a multiple Grade 2-winning Irish contender has been officially declared for the lower-profile National Hunt Chase over the RSA Chase at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival. Colm Murphy announced that the seven year-old son of Saint Des Saints would opt for the four-mile contest over fences.

Representing Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown House Stud, the bay gelding has run very well this year with a 1211 from his four attempts – all on Irish soil. The only blemish was a tough beat to Bostons Angel in the Fort Leney Novice Chase at Leopardstown.

Quito De La Roque then went on to capture a pair of Grade 2’s at Naas inside one month – sent off at 11/10 and even money.

Speaking to At The Races, Murphy declared “I’d say it’s more than likely that he’ll run in the four-miler… You can never be confident of any horse staying four miles, but I wouldn’t have thought the trip would bother him as he’s got plenty of stamina. The Irishman went on to point to slower going being the key for Quito De La Roque’s Cheltenham Chances. “I’d say if it’s quick ground he wouldn’t even go.”

Quito De La Roque remains strongly in the mix for the National Hunt Chase ante post market. Alfa Beat and Chicago Grey trade as the 6/1 co-favourites while Quel Esprit and Qito De La Roque trade anywhere from 8/1 to 12/1.