Son Of Maxios Strengthens Cheltenham Claims

Quilixios (7g Maxios – Quilita, by Lomitas) staked his claims on the Arkle Chase when running out a commanding winner of Friday’s novice chase at Naas.

Dropping back to his preferred two mile trip, Henry de Bromhead’s charge made most of the running under Rachael Blackmore and travelled strongly throughout. Challenged approaching the second last, he began to extend his advantage before the final fence and was ridden out to beat Sa Fureur (Walk In The Park) by two and a quarter lengths.

“That was brilliant,” said the winning trainer. “He jumped brilliantly, travelled well and we couldn't have asked for more. He's a Triumph Hurdle winner and he has lots of gears. He's in the Arkle at Leopardstown, so we'll talk about that, but we would have to think that the Arkle will be his race at Cheltenham.”

The aforementioned Triumph Hurdle was one of two Grade 1 wins achieved by Quilixios as a novice hurdler. The Cheveley Park Stud-owned bay made a successful chase debut earlier this season and is now a seven-time winner. The son of Castlehyde Stud sire Maxios was bred by Gestut Fahrhof.