Bouggler became eligible for an enticing £60,000 Cheltenham Festival bonus after starting off on a winning note over fences at Plumpton.
Should Emma Lavelle's smart hurdler graduate from the Hepworth Conqueror Stout Novices' Chase to success next March, connections will be rewarded as part of a season-long SIS incentive at the East Sussex course.
The 1-2 favourite was ponderous at times and as they turned for home, Have You Seen Me looked to have his measure. But the five-year-old found a useful change of gear after the final fence, with Lavelle believing there are several reasons why he can be seen in a more favourable light in the future.
"Sam Thomas said he'd be better on a more galloping track and he has had a good blow there," reported the trainer.
"He saves a bit for himself at home and he's entitled to have a lot of improvement in him. He was just short of top class over hurdles but he looks like a jumper now - his jumping was very sound. I expect we'll find another novice race somewhere but it's nice to know we can think about Cheltenham."
Lavelle has understandably not drawn up specific targets, but added: "He is a year older, but the feeling we had was that he didn't quite get three miles over hurdles. I would think two miles, five would be about his best trip."
Posts
