Rite Of Passage made a sparkling debut over hurdles with an easy victory in the opener at Leopardstown today, and as predicted by us here at puntinplay has been slashed for the Supreme Novices at the Cheltenham Festival.
Dermot Weld's six-year-old, sent off favourite for the Champion Bumper won by Dunguib last season, is now a top priced 14-1 for the opener at the Festival.
He was sent off the 4-9 fav this afternoon, and the only worry Robbie McNamara had was turning into the straight when he was nearly carried out by a loose horse.
Yet despite losing several lengths, he quickened nicely to regain his position and was back on the bridle as they approached the final flight.
He jumped the last well, despite getting in a little close, and then showed what an engine he has by quickening yet again to win with ease.
Few horses are able to quicken twice during a race, and this performance stamped Rite of Passage as a horse with serious potential to go right to the top.
His delighted trainer told At The Races: "He did what we expected and the only concern was the loose horse.The plan is to give him one more run and then go to Cheltenham, but whether that is for the Supreme or the longer race (Neptune Investments) will not be decided until closer to the time.
"The trip is certainly no worry to him, but he's got plenty of gears and is a very athletic horse. He's been a natural over hurdles since day one and if he stays sound we'll have a lot of fun with him."
At puntinplay we think he will go for the Supreme. At 14-1 with Corals he looks a solid each-way bet given that some firms go just 7s.
