La Bague Au Roi on the hunt for three-timer in Kauto Star Novices’ Chase
Warren Greatrex's gutsy mare is unbeaten over the larger obstacles and will step up to Grade 1 company for the first time on Boxing Day
LA BAGUE AU ROI will bid for racing royalty in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase on Boxing Day.
The talented mare has looked tailor-made for fences in her two starts to date and will aim to defend her unbeaten record in the Grade 1 contest.
Victories in a couple of Newbury events over talented opposition have marked her out as a horse to follow, and trainer Warren Greatrex is confident she can step up once again.
He said: "The plan is to head to Kempton on Boxing Day. I suppose win, lose or draw we will see where we are.
"I think the track will suit her and we will learn a lot more after that whether she is up to that grade.
"It looks like being a very hot race and almost as hot as the King George with the likes of Santini, Topofthegame and Count Meribel going there - they are a handful of the best novice chasers around this season.
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"Her ratings put her right up there and she will get a mares' allowance, which will help, but she will have to be on top of her game to win."
He added: "She jumped very well last time and it was a drop back in trip, which didn't bother her.
"It is a shame Lostintranslation fell as it would have made it a proper race, although I think she would have taken some passing."