Quevega 

Quevega is the current favourite for the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle 2011 at a best price of 5/4. The seven-year-old Bay Mare is a Willie Mullins star and has already created a positive impression on the world of National Hunt racing.

The French horse was well bred between Robin Des Champs (France) and Vega Iv (Ireland) and is gradually being turned into one of the best middle to long distance runners in the country.

Quevega's First Race

Quevega's first race came in the summer of 2007 at Vichy over ten furlongs. The debut was not that impressive as Quevega didn’t hit top gear at any point in the race. The shorter priced Quissisia Mans beat the horse comfortably.

However, Quevega's first race was followed up by a win over 16 furlongs at Punchestown on February 19 2008. This was the Quevega's first race as a Willie Mullins horse and the experienced trainer immediately recognised the staying on potential of the horse over a long distance.

Quevega's Career

Quevega's career has grown and developed ever since that second race and the horse now has six career wins and a second place finish from eight races. Three wins from four races followed the maiden victory at Punchestown as Mullins slowly pushed the distance up to 20 furlongs.

Quevega's career has also seen the French horse have a regular jockey and Ruby Walsh is the perfect example of discipline and experience. Walsh was on board Quevega for the two wins the horse has had in this very race for the last two Cheltenham Festivals.

Quevega at Cheltenham

Quevega at Cheltenham is a very difficult horse to beat because the trainer and jockey combination has always got things spot on. The horse doesn't seem flustered by the large crowds at Cheltenham, the high noise levels or the usual massive fields of runners.

Quevega at Cheltenham should be one of the odds on priced favourites and the only reason the horse isn't is due to the unpredictable nature of National Hunt races. If the race was a flat one then there wouldn’t be another horse that could get close to Quevega.

Attributes of Quevega

The attributes of Quevega form a very large list because it's difficult to find anything wrong with this Willie Mullins star. Quevega has a very good stamina and doesn't seem to have any problems staying on with a high pace.

One of the best attributes of Quevega is that the horse has a settled and balanced style that is difficult for other horses to compete with. The jockey has to do very little work and can sit the horse behind the leading pack knowing that a response will come when the time to push on arrives.

Quevega's Form

Quevega's form is difficult to judge because the horse hasn't raced since April 22 last year. However, Peter Townend rode Quevega to victory in this last outing over 24 furlongs at Punchestown. The gap also means Quevega should be in top physical condition.