RACING:COLM MURPHY is aiming Quito De La Roque at today's Grade Two feature in Naas but is also holding out hopes for top-flight success next weekend when Voler La Vedette is on target to line up against some familiar rivals in the BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle.
Murphy’s star mare finished third to Hurricane Fly and Solwhit in last month’s Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse and was also runner up to Solwhit in the previous month’s Morgiana.
Voler La Vedette has yet to get the better of her old rivals who currently dominate ante-post betting for next Sunday’s Grade One highlight at Leopardstown. But Murphy is willing to take on the males again with his high-class mare. “Realistically we’re hoping for one or both of them to have an off-day. Hurricane Fly in particular looks a good bit above the rest. But I would still be disappointed if we didn’t manage to at least get our hands on some place money,” the Co Wexford trainer said yesterday. “She’s very well and we’re happy she missed out on Christmas. But there’s no hiding place for her in a race like this so we’re hoping for the best,” Murphy added.
His immediate focus, however, is on today’s Grade Two Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase which has attracted just five runners with Quito De La Roque looking a standout proposition.
Kazal’s half-brother was beaten just three parts of a length by Bostons Angel in the Grade One Fort Leney at Leopardstown over Christmas where he was running on very strongly in the closing stages.
Stamina is clearly his strong-point and three miles on testing ground conditions today should be right up his alley against opposition that includes Jim Dreaper’s Punchestown winner Royal De La Thinte and Western Charmer.
“He seems fine since the last day. I’m hoping this race doesn’t come too quick. I’m afraid it might be a bit fast but he seems well,” Murphy reported.
Ten runners are due to line up for the Grade Three Limestone Lad Hurdle and they include Noel Meade’s duo, Donnas Palm and Aitmatov. Donnas Palm is another that took part in the Hatton’s Grace and the Morgiana. Placed in last year’s Irish Champion Hurdle behind Solwhit, Donna’s Palm is a high-class runner at his best and this looks a suitable opportunity for Paul Carberry’s mount.
Enda Bolger gives his star cross-country operators, L’Ami and Garde Champetre, spins over hurdles today as they continue their build up’s to another crack at the Cheltenham festival in March.
L’Ami goes in the Listed novice hurdle where Tornedo Shay is back for another run after breaking his duck in a Gowran maiden last November. Thomond O’Mara’s former high-class bumper runner can maintain his jumping momentum.
Gentleman Jim dominated a two-mile handicap chase at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve, easily beating Second Glance by 15 lengths. A 9lb penalty doesn’t look enough to stop his chances of a follow-up.
