Henry de Bromhead out to conquer 'famous' Tingle Creek again with rejuvenated Quilixios

Quilixios is now Jonbon's main danger in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase according to the market after usurping Edwardstone as second favourite with the sponsors and he is reported in "great shape" for the big Sandown showdown. 

It is 13 years since Sizing Europe provided Henry de Bromhead with his sole Tingle Creek victory and Quilixios, now 11-2 with Betfair, has been given the go ahead for his bid to double the trainer's account. The 2021 Triumph Hurdle winner is coming off his biggest win over fences after claiming the notable scalp of Marine Nationale in a Grade 3 at Naas last month. 

Speaking at a Jockey Club press conference, De Bromhead said: "The plan at the moment is for Quilixios to run in the Tingle Creek and he seems in great form. We're looking forward to going over to Sandown.

"I was very happy with the performance at Naas. He jumped great and galloped right to the line, so it was great to see him back. The Tingle Creek is a famous race and we would love to win it again. Obviously Jonbon is very good and is going to be very hard to beat but at least we'll know where we stand for the rest of the season."

Conditions could be quite testing on Saturday, with plenty of rain forecast, but all ground comes alike to Quilixios according to De Bromhead.

He said: "He's got good form on every sort of ground. I was probably a little bit concerned about the better ground for him at Naas, but he seemed to handle that well and he won a good race at Naas in January on very testing ground, so he's pretty adaptable."

Henry de Bromhead: trainer of QuilixiosCredit: Edward Whitaker

When asked how Quilixios compares to last season's Champion Chase winner Captain Guinness, De Bromhead said: "They are two different types. Captain Guinness is all about speed and can often struggle at Leopardstown to get home over the two miles and one furlong, whereas Quilixios is more of a staying two-miler. I'm not saying he's Sizing Europe, but Sizing Europe was like that – a high cruising speed and a real stayer over the trip."

Darragh O'Keeffe will take the ride on Quilixios on Saturday and De Bromhead sang the praises of the supersub, who has proved the most able of deputies for the injured Rachael Blackmore. 

He said: "Darragh is riding really well and I'm delighted for him, it's great to see it. He's taking his opportunities and doing great."

De Bromhead could be faced with a dilemma when Blackmore returns, but the trainer issued a positive update on the Grand National and Gold Cup-winning jockey. 

The trainer said: "When Rachael is back, she's back, obviously. She's not far off being back anyhow,.

"She's itching to get back. She was down with us last Monday and seemed in great form. Obviously, she's frustrated but working hard to get back."

The other Irish contender in the Tingle Creek is the Joseph O'Brien-trained Solness, who was just touched off by Found A Fifty in the Fortria Chase at Navan. 

O'Brien said of his rapid improver: "He's pretty durable and has won over hurdles and fences this season. He'll continue to mix and match and we'll try to find places where he can make some money over the season. He just doesn't like when the ground is too soft. He's pretty straightforward but he likes to be ridden positively. 

"A fast-run two miles with an emphasis on jumping suits him well and that's what he'll get at the weekend. He ran well in a Grade 2 at Navan last time and he's earned a crack at this."

Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (3.00 Sandown, Saturday)
Betfair: 1-2 Jonbon, 11-2 Quilixios, 13-2 Edwardstone, 10 Boothill, 11 JPR One, 16 Master Chewy, 20 Solness, 50 Unexpected Party

Read these next . . .

'He still seems to have a swagger about him' - Paul Townend excited about Energumene's return in Sunday's Hilly Way at Cork 

Sam Thomas has three shots at 'mega' Welsh Grand National success but main contender to miss key prep run 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.