Warren Greatrex is eyeing a trip to Ireland for his brilliant mare La Bague Au Roi.
The seven-year-old recorded her 13th and most high-profile victory in 18 career starts when claiming Grade One 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 port of call could be the Flogas Novice Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival in early February.
“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 One at Leopardstown,” said the Lambourn handler.
“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.
“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.”
