Newmill put up a pleasing display to take the Grade Two MacLochlainn Road Markings Ltd Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles yesterday.
John Joseph Murphy's eight-year-old, who holds a Smurfit Champion Hurdle and a Queen Mother Champion Chase entry, took up the initiative from runner-up Mossy Green at the final fence to score by four lengths.
In contrast to the 5 to 1 winner, Champion Chase contender Hi Cloy, who was sent off the even-money favourite, was struggling a long way from home and finished well adrift of the principals.
Murphy revealed that Newmill, who finished third behind Brave Inca in the bewleyshotels.com December Festival last time, is now likely to be primed for the Champion Chase in March.
"He is best fresh and better ground would also be appreciated. The Champion Chase could now be the plan without another run beforehand."
Totesport have cut Newmill from 66 to 1 to 33 to 1 for the Champion Chase as a consequence of his convincing success.
Michael Hourigan's Hi Cloy is out to 33 to 1 from 20s with the same company. Hourigan felt the heavy ground was to blame for the horse's below par display.
