Put The Kettle On to step up in trip as new Cheltenham targets come on to agenda

Champion Chase heroine Put The Kettle On is not certain to attempt a follow-up in the two-mile highlight next March with trainer Henry de Bromhead eyeing a step up in trip.

Having stayed on into a never-threatening third on her recent return in the Shloer Chase, beaten ten and a half lengths by Nube Negra, the tenacious mare is being aimed at the Grade 3 John & Chich Fowler Memorial Mares Chase over 2m5f at Fairyhouse on January 1.

De Bromhead said: "She stayed on well at Cheltenham and I thought it was a similar run to last year [when she won the Shloer Chase]. It was just that the ground was a lot softer in 2020 and that gave her a chance to come back at them.

"She seems good since. Having discussed it with everyone, I'd say we'll step her up in trip and try her in the mares' chase at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day."

Put The Kettle On (right): edged out Nube Negra and Chacun Pour Soi to land last season's Betway Queen Mother Champion ChaseCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

He added: "We'll see how it all unfolds but it's not certain [that she'll try to defend her Champion Chase crown]. She'll probably have a few entries. Obviously there's the Mares' Chase and the Ryanair Chase.

"I'd say she'll be entered for all of those and we'll see nearer the time. She seems like a different lady in the spring as well and we'll look at what the ground is then too."

It appears to be a case of all systems go this Sunday for De Bromhead's other leading mare Honeysuckle, who is on course to attempt a third consecutive win under Rachael Blackmore in the Bar One-backed Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

"She seems in great form," the Knockeen handler said on Monday. "She schooled this morning and jumped well. Rachael was happy with her."

De Bromhead's weekend stars, A Plus Tard and Bob Olinger, are reported to have emerged from their victories unscathed and both are under consideration for Grade 1 Christmas targets.

A Plus Tard: will bid to follow up his Betfair Chase romp at Leopardstown next monthCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Betfair Chase hero A Plus Tard is on course for a tilt at the Savills Chase at Leopardstown, while De Bromhead suggested last weekend that Bob Olinger, who got off the mark over fences at Gowran on Saturday, could contest the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick.

"A Plus Tard is great after coming home yesterday morning," said De Bromhead.

"We're very happy with him and he's certainly going to the Savills Chase. Bob Olinger seems really good and trotted up well yesterday."

On plans for Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo, De Bromhead added: "No decision has been made on him yet. He'll be entered for both [Leopardstown and the King George] and we'll see closer to the time."

Mick Winters has yet to finalise a plan for Betfair Chase third Chatham Street Lad, who emerged with credit from the wide-margin defeat to A Plus Tard at 28-1.

Chatham Street Lad: on the easy list after suffering an overreach in the Betfair ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

An overreach is set to keep last season's runaway Caspian Caviar Gold Cup scorer on the easy list for a fortnight, but Winters is relishing another British raid before long.

Winters said: "It was good to see him run well and Sean Quinlan gave him a great ride. He seemed to land in one of the fences a bit and got an overreach but it'll just take two weeks standing in. He got stitched and was looked after very well over there."

He added: "This horse thrives on travelling over to England but might not have stayed three miles on that ground going that pace. If they were going a half-speed I think he'd stay four miles, but going that pace he might be better at two and a half miles."

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