Quilixios and Rachael Blackmore © Photo Healy Racing
Quilixios bounced back to form to make it two from three over fences in the opening BetVictor Novice Chase at Naas this afternoon.
The 2021 Triumph Hurdle winner won on his chase debut at Limerick in October before finishing tailed off in Grade 2 company at Punchestown the following month.
Henry de Bromhead's charge dropped back to two miles from three today and made most of the running under Rachael Blackmore.
The 5/1 shot was asked for an effort going to the final fence and stayed on well in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-quarter length win over Sa Fureur
8/15 favourite Mister Policeman could only finish six-and-a-half lengths back in third.
De Bromhead said afterwards:- “He was really good, jumped brilliant, travelled well and we couldn’t have really asked for any more.
“He jumped a bit right in Limerick and we were concerned about that but no sign of it here.
“He has loads of gears and is a Triumph Hurdle winner. He’s a class horse.
“We got the trip wrong the last day. He wouldn’t blow you away with speed at home but those good two milers have such a high cruising speed. Sizing Europe was the same and so was Special Tiara.
“He’s in the Irish Arkle but we’ll speak with everyone at Cheveley and see where we go.
“I’d say he’ll have to go to the Arkle (at Cheltenham) now.”
Paddy Power and Betfair both made the winner 25/1 (from 50/1) for the Arkle while Mister Policeman was pushed out to 50/1 (from 12/1).
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
