Timeform Daily: Saturday, Down Royal 14:25

Quito de la Roque can win at Down Royal.

Timeform look ahead to the Grade 1 three mile chase at Down Royal on Saturday...

Bob Lingo put up a career-best effort when winning 20-runner Galway Plate in August by 5 lengths from Casey Top. Won handicap hurdle at Killarney later that month and respectable third last time.

Chicago Grey is a smart staying chaser at best, won at Cheltenham Festival in 2011. Winless since, but respectable efforts when in frame last term and shaped as if in need of reappearance.

First Lieutenant was a Grade 1 winning hurdler who developed into very smart chaser last term, winning two Grade 3 novices before finishing second to Bobs Worth in RSA Chase. Looked in need of return.

Follow The Plan is a high-class chaser who won Betfred Bowl at Aintree (beat Burton Port 3 lengths) in 2011/12. Creditable second to China Rock in Punchestown Gold Cup next time, but below form both starts this term.

Joncol is a dual Grade 1 winning chaser who won 4-runner listed race at Thurles in 2011/12 and ran well when second to Rubi Light in John Durkan Chase next time. Injured on final start last year and below best on return.

Kauto Stone won Grade 2 at this course by 6 lengths from Roi du Mee in 2011/12. Good second to Sizing Europe in Grade 1 at Sandown next time, but disappointing after and not seen since April.

Quito de la Roque improved when winning this race in 2011/12 by 1 lengths from Sizing Europe. Not ideally suited by run of race when third in Lexus Chase when last seen in December and has good record fresh.

Realt Dubh is a 3-time Grade 1 winning chaser who produced best effort last term when 2 lengths second to Sizing Europe in Champion Chase at Punchestown in April. Ran poorly over hurdles in May.

Sizing Europe is a top class chaser who enjoyed good season in 2011/12, winning 4 times, including Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and Champion Chase at Punchestown. Scored easily on return, but not as good at 3m.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Quito de la Roque
2. Sizing Europe
3. First Lieutenant

Timeform Verdict: Sizing Europe sets the standard, but he is clearly stretched by this 3m trip and he may again struggle to overcome last year's conqueror Quito de la Roque, who looks to have been aimed at this race and has a good record when fresh. First Lieutenant is taken to prove best of the rest.

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