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2021 Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios established his claims in the two mile novice chase division with a solid victory in the BetVictor Irish EBF Novice Chase at Naas on Friday.
The race was expected to be an easy assignment for the Willie Mullins-trained Mister Policeman but the short-priced favourite (1/2) was struggling with two fences to go, leaving Quilixios to fight out the finish with Sa Fureur. Ridden by Rachael Blackmore, Quilixios jumped well throughout the two mile content and was already establishing a clear lead by the third fence. Although Gordon Elliott's Sa Fureur did mount a challenge as the pair came to the second-last jump, the result never appeared in doubt as Quilixios passed the line with two-and-a-quarter lengths in hand.
Henry De Bromhead's charge has been lightly raced since his Triumph Hurdle victory and whilst the gelding made a winning start to chasing at Limerick in November, he never fired in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase over the festive period.
"He was really good, jumped brilliant, travelled well and we couldn't have really asked for any more," said de Bromhead.
"He jumped a bit right in Limerick (chase debut) and we were concerned about that, but no sign of it here.
"He has loads of gears and is a Triumph Hurdle winner. He's a class horse.
"We got the trip wrong the last day. He wouldn't blow you away with speed at home, but those good two-milers have such a high cruising speed. Sizing Europe was the same and so was Special Tiara.
"He's in the Irish Arkle, but we'll speak with everyone at Cheveley (Park Stud, owners) and see where we go.
"I'd say he'll have to go to the Arkle (at Cheltenham) now."
Paddy Power shortened Quilixios from 50/1 to 25/1 for the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.