Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh in good form after the win of Dare To Doubt© Photo Healy Racing
Dare To Doubt got off the mark over fences at the third attempt when easily landing odds of 4/6 in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase (Mares).
Ruby Walsh gave the talented daughter of King’s Theatre – rated 141 over hurdles – a confident ride and bided his time until just before the last to strike the front.
The hot-pot came home on a tight rein as she easily dispatched market rival Mayo Mystique (11/4, from 7/2)) by an impressive four and a half lengths. Twin Plan (50/1) was a further 19 lengths back in third.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins said, “She’s entered in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. I just put her in in case she didn’t win today for whatever reason. Quevega is a nice reserve to have!
“We’ll try to find a mares’ chase for her at Fairyhouse. She’s the same type of mare as Candy Girl as she doesn’t see out two and three quarter miles over fences. We’ll stick to a similar trip.”
Mullins also had some news of a high-profile trio of his Festival team. Hurricane Fly, Quevega and Boston Bob all went a mile and a half over hurdles in a workout at the Curragh this week.
“They all went well and Boston Bob’s jumping was immaculate. He looks a natural,” said Mullins, although he is no nearer making a decision on the Graham Wylie-owned gelding’s Festival target.
