Surprise Haydock winner Castafiore to tackle the Pendil Novices’ Chase at Kempton next month ahead of Cheltenham Festival

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.

"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."