Quel Esprit got no further than the second when heavily fancied for the Neptune on Tuesdya, but looks the one to beat if none the worse for the tumble.
Willie Mullins rated him one of the bankers of the meeting before the action got underway , and many - including me - believe today's 3m journey wil suit him even better than the 2m 5f trip of the Neptune.
The six-year-old was a high class bumper horse last season, and his runs inlcuded a staying on fourth to Dunguib in the Champion Bumper.
He won his first two starts over the obstacles in good style, and but was then turned over at long odds-on by Coole River at Leopardstown.
However he was beaten only half a length that day over a 2m 4f trip that would not have seen him at his best, and the winner has gone on to frank the form by beating the useful Lucky William and Pittoni in a Grade 2 contest.
If Quel Esprit is as good as his trainer thinks he is then he will take some beating in this, and it could be significant that Ruby Walsh has stayed loyal to him over stable companion Enterprise Park who is himself very highly regarded by connections and considered a potential star.
At 7-1 Quel Esprit looks excellent value, and I fancy him to get the better of my long range fancy The Betchworth Kid.
Recommended bet: 4pts each-way Quel Esprit (7-1 Hills)
Already advised ante-post: 2pts each-way The Betchworth Kid 14-1
