Grand National Festival: La Bague Au Roi can bag bumper four-timer
David Metcalf | April 6, 2016
Lots to like about La Bague Au Roi
Warren Greatrex’s La Bague Au Roi has won her three starts in bumpers in terrific style, and can take the step up into Grade 2 company in her stride to land the Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Bumper (17:15) that brings the opening day of the Grand National Festival to a close at Aintree.
She looked a smart prospect when winning by five lengths on her debut at Newton Abbott, and confirmed that impression when scoring by seven lengths next time up at this venue.
After being held-up in mid-divsision, the five-year-old made smooth headway two from home before being driven clear inside the final furlong to win going away.
Imnpressive turn of foot
La Bague Au Roi then made all and showed an impressive turn of foot to land the hat-trick in style at Huntingdon back in December, barely having to break sweat to win by five lengths.
It was a most a taking performance, and connections resisted the temptation to go to the Cheltenham Festival to save her for this.
That looks a shrewd move, as La Bague Au Roi comes into the race a fresh horse – something which has often proved a big plus at this meeting over the years.
Class-dropping Kate a big player
Augusta Kate ran very well in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at last month’s Cheltenham Festival and looks a leading contender now dropped in class.
Trained in Ireland by the all-conquering Willie Mullins, the five-year-old got outpaced two from home before keeping on to finish a five length seventh of 23 to Ballyandy.
Prior to that, Augusta Kate had won her two starts in terrific style, cruising home by 23 lengths on her debut at Listowel before landing a Listed contest at Navan by seven lengths.
Judged on those successes, Augusta Kate clearly has a huge engine and bags of talent, but the big question has to be whether this race will come too quick after her Cheltenham exertions?
If it doesn’t, then the daughter of Yates holds obvious claims for a yard have an outstanding record in this type of contest.
Related
For more Grand National Festival previews and tasty tips, visit our Aintree page.
Coral’s top tip: La Bague Au Roi looks the real deal and decent value to get the better of Irish raider Augusta Kate.
