Flogas Novice Chase report: La Bague Au Roi wins under Richard Johnson

Sent off the well-backed 10/11 favourite in the hands of Richard Johnson, Warren Greatrex's mare followed up her top-class win at Kempton over Christmas with a one and a quarter-length victory from 33/1 outsider Kaiser Black.

Jetz kept the winner company early on but La Bague Au Roi's jumping saw her extend into a clear lead after the second fence.

The likes of Mortal, Winter Escape and Hardline closed up rounding the final bend but Johnson booted his mount into the last and she responded in kind, with the smooth-travelling Kaiser Black the one laying down a strong late challenge.

The mare was kept up to her work after the final fence to score with something to spare in the two miles, five furlong contest.

Sky Bet clipped La Bague Au Roi a point to 6/1 for the JLT Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and representative Michael Shinners said: "La Bague Au Roi has been beaten at the past two Festivals but she's a completely different mare this time around and would be going to Cheltenham unbeaten over fences.

"It was a really good performance and an excellent training performance from Warren Greatrex. We are now 6/1 from 7/1 for the JLT and with plans not clear going forward, the Non Runner No Bet concession couldn’t be more important in this case."

Johnson said: "I think the mares have stolen the show this weekend. She's just a pleasure to ride and gives everything.

"We thought we'd pop out, but I wasn't sure how quick the others wanted to go.

"If anything, I could have done with some company four out because she'd been on her own a while, so I waited until they came to me off the bend before going to win the race.

"It's a long time ago now, but I remember riding Florida Pearl here one day and it's a long way from the second last to the line. Ideally I wanted to wait until we turned in and I felt in the last few yards I was pulling away again.

"Warren has done a great job with her and she's really improved in the last two years. We think a flat track is ideal and she'll probably miss Cheltenham, though the owners and Warren will decide, but Aintree could be next."

Greatrex is in no hurry to make a decision on Cheltenham and is eager to do right by his stable star.

He said: "She's so tough and an absolute pleasure to train. The plan has paid off.

"I think it's really important that we come over and support a meeting like this. The Irish are so strong and to come over here in their own backyard and win is great.

"She has put a lot into that today and I'm not sure about Cheltenham - we'll sleep on it.

"I know Richard's first thoughts were not Cheltenham. He said she's put everything into that today and she needs a bit longer. There is huge prize-money at Aintree as well and I've said all along the track might suit her better.

"The temptation will be there, but we need to do what's best for her and if that means she needs a bit longer, then so be it.

"To win two Grade Ones is fantastic and I think she's as good a mare as we've seen for a long while. The Gold Cup is not beyond the realms of possibility some day.

"She's very much a horse that needs to be in her own rhythm and not anyone else's, whether that's leading or not. She was getting lonely out in front, but she will keep pulling it out for you and is so tough and knows where the winning line is."

GET THE FULL PICTURE: Don't miss out on FREE video replays and our fantastic My Stable tracker. Log in now and become a Sporting Life Insider.

Related horse racing links

• Sky Bet's horse racing odds
• Cheltenham Festival guide
• Cheltenham Festival news and tips
• Lydia Hislop's Road to Cheltenham
• Free horse racing betting tips
• All today's racecards
• Today's fast results
• Today's full results
• Non-runners
• Today's Goings
• Today's Naps Table
• ABC Guide