
Willie Mullins’ six-year-old saw off a high-class field to lay down a Cheltenham marker.
Bookies have slashed odds on Kemboy winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup from 50/1 to as short as 7/1 after he sprung a surprise in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown on Friday afternoon.
The six-year-old was fairly unfancied for the race at Leopardstown, going off at 9/1 behind the likes of Road to Respect, Monalee and Shattered Love.
With favourite Road to Respect making a couple of mistakes, Kemboy ended up streaking home in impressive fashion by seven and a half lengths.
That impressive display has seen bookies slash their ante-post prices for the Cheltenham Festival. Though the Gold Cup movement is most eye-catching, many see it as more likely that Kemboy will be lined up in the Ryanair Chase. His price for that race has been cut from 25/1 to 6/1 in places.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: 'Punters who were on Kemboy for the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury in November will be cursing their luck, as a cancelled ferry will have burnt their pockets and likely scuppered them a decent pay day .
'It's difficult to guess where Willie Mullins will aim his six-year-old but on that performance he will be considering the big one. It's a shame Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy swerved the race today but we could see them battle it out come March.'