Quito bound for National Hunt Chase

Colm Murphy's dual Grade Two winner Quito De La Roque is poised to run in the four-mile National Hunt Chase rather than the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

The seven-year-old has only been beaten once over fences, and that was by Bostons Angel in the Grade One Fort Leney Novice Chase.

He is one of a number of leading chances for Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud at the Cheltenham Festival next week.

"I'd say it's more than likely than he'll run in the four-miler," said Murphy.

"I've been absolutely delighted with him this season, he's always looked a chaser.

"You can never be confident of any horse staying four miles, but I wouldn't have thought the trip would bother him as he's got plenty of stamina.

"But I'd say if it's quick ground he wouldn't even go."

Quito De La Roque's price ranges from 8-1 to 14-1 for the National Hunt Chase on March 16.