32RED KAUTO STAR

NOVICES’ CHASE

(GRADE 1)

TALENTED mares had a major influence on St Stephen’s Day because Verdana Blue’s victory was preceded by that of Warren Greatrex’s La Bague Au Roi in the Grade 1 32Red Novices’ Chase.

All the rage was Henderson’s Santini, who started at 11/10 favourite but looked a thorough stayer when successful last time out and was not certain to appreciate the easier three miles here.

As Richard Johnson sent La Bague Au Roi to the front at the 12th, Santini was already being pushed along to go the pace. The mare was headed by Nicholls’ Topofthegame three out and looked under pressure but showed great courage to get back up again, gradually forging clear on the run-in. Santini kept on well in third but needs a much stiffer test.

“She’s a big, tall mare and it’s only now she’s got her strength,” Greatrex said. “We’ve never been sure Cheltenham is her track so she may well miss that and we’ll look at the Leopardstown meeting in February.”

Santini is a dour, old-fashioned sort of jumper and the RSA Chase will surely suit him down to the ground.