Surprise Haydock winner Castafiore to tackle the Pendil Novices’ Chase at Kempton next month ahead of Cheltenham Festival
Charlie Longsdon's progressive mare sprung a 28-1 shock in a Grade 2 at Haydock on Saturday
CHARLIE Longsdon is mapping out a route to the Cheltenham Festival for his progressive mare Castafiore.
The six-year-old mare sprung a 28-1 shock when taking out a Grade 2 novice chase at Haydock on Saturday.
The daughter of Street Cry thrashed the 148-rated Jerrysback by five lengths under Paul O'Brien to register her biggest career success.
A thrilled Longsdon said the mare could run in the Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton next month ahead of an outing at the Cheltenham Festival.
The Grade 1 JLT Novices' Chase and 2m4f novice handicap chase are the two options open at present.
Longsdon said: "I would say she might go for the Pendil at Kempton. I know she'll have her penalty, but she'll always have her mares' allowance.
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"We will give her fancy entries at Cheltenham - JLT and the novices' handicap, depending on what the handicapper does.
"I think it will be close to 140. I know she was getting 7lb, but she beat a 148-rated horse.
"She jumped great but she's just tough and hardy.
"We were running her in good handicaps over two miles last year (over hurdles) - and she kept getting beaten - because we didn't think she'd get any further.
"It's only since we've stepped her up in trip she's shown improvement - it's given her an extra gear.
"The others might not have performed to their best, but it would be a surprise if all four hadn't."