The term dour stayer could have been brought into use with Quito De La Roque in mind and he put up a really likeable display in the Grade 2 Woodlands Park 100 Club Novice Chase at Naas.
The other French-bred in the five runner line-up, Royal De La Thinte stretched his pursuers down the back straight but as they levelled up for the judge Davy Russell was getting Quito De La Roque into top gear and the son of Saint Des Saints (sire of Quel Esprit among others) appeared to be holding all the aces when Royal De La Thinte departed at the last.
On the run-in the Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Colm Murphy-trained Quito De La Roque (a Grade 1 runner-up at Leopardstown at Christmas) powered clear to account for Western Charmer by fourteen lengths.
Quito De La Roque, a half-brother to Kazal, now holds an engagement in the Grade 1 Dr.P.J.Moriarty Novice Chase at Leopardstown on February 6th.
Colm Murphy commented: "I'm delighted. He stays really well and a proper three miles is what he wants. Davy was always happy on him and it was a proper test today.
"The ground will decide a lot. He'll have an entry at Cheltenham and we'll see what happens in the meantime."
Sean Graham go 20/1 Quito De La Roque for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham.
