Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Quito to Roque Down Royal

Russell aims for back-to-back victories with Quito De La Roque

There is Grade 1 action at Down Royal this afternoon and Timeform's Irish team bring you three selections on a cracking card...

The handicap hurdle at 13:15 looks set to host a maximum field, but it would be fair to say it looks like quantity over quality in terms of the participants and it may be worth siding with the unexposed Robbie McMahon. Noel Glynn's gelding managed to score twice in points, but failed to better modest form in three starts in maiden hurdles last term. However, he looks the type to do better now tackling handicaps and, with the step up in trip expected to suit, he is open to improvement.

The JNwine.com Champion Chase at 14:25 is the feature race on the card this afternoon and, while it looks a cracking contest, we will be siding with Quito De La Roque in his quest for back-to-back victories in this contest. Colm Murphy's gelding has an impressive strike rate in this sphere and produced his best effort to date when beating Sizing Europe in this race last year, finding plenty for pressure and outstaying his rivals. The conditions are unlikely to be as testing this time around, but that won't pose a problem and, while he has not been seen since finishing third to the ill-fated Synchronised in the Lexus Chase in December, Quito De La Roque has a good record when fresh and looks sure to make a bold bid this afternoon.

The Grade 2 Ladbrokes Chase at 15:00 may be just a supporting act in terms of today's card, but it features some smart sorts, none more so than Bog Warrior. The Tony Martin-trained gelding was a revelation last term, winning his first three starts over fences, namely a maiden at Navan (by 7 lengths from Flemenstar), the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse (by distance from Shinrock Paddy) and a novice at Naas (by 11 lengths from Slieveardagh). Bog Warrior was seemingly amiss when a distant last of three to Flemenstar at Naas when last seen in March, but he has won first time out for the past two season and, with his yard going well at present, he is taken to make it three this afternoon.

Timeform Irish SmartPlays:
All at Down Royal

Back Robbie McMahon in the 13:15
Back Quito De La Roque in the 14:25
Back Bog Warrior in the 15:00

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