Warren Greatrex warns punters that La Bague Au Roi is likely to skip Cheltenham with Ireland and Aintree in his sights for mare
The Flogas Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival in February is a likely target
LA BAGUE AU ROI is likely to skip Cheltenham in favour of targets in Ireland and at Aintree.
Trainer Warren Greatrex has warned punters the Dublin Racing Meeting could be her next port of call over the Festival.
The seven-year-old recorded her 13th and most high-profile victory in 18 career starts when claiming Grade 1 glory in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day - stretching her unbeaten record over fences to three.
Given she has failed to fire in two previous visits to the Cheltenham Festival, Greatrex is keen to consider alternative options and her next outing could be the Flogas Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival in early February.
The Lambourn handler said: "I've got to speak to the owners, but the plan, more than likely, is that she will go for the two-mile-five-furlong Grade 1 at Leopardstown.
"I think the track will suit her well and the ground never gets that horrific there. I'm not bothered about the drop back in trip, as it means she can pound them even more.
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"She took the race at Kempton brilliantly and is bouncing.
"She will probably have entries for Cheltenham, but she is more likely after Ireland to head to Aintree, as I think she is better on a flat track."