Able Label bound for Lingfield

Labelthou is set for a sterner test than her first British outing over fences in the December Novices’ Chase at Lingfield on Saturday.

Emma Lavelle’s star mare, a winner of three Grade Two hurdles last season, recently came home alone at Ascot after her only rival, Hennessy, fell at halfway.

Labelthou needs some cut in the ground as well as a stiff test of stamina and if the likes of Michael Muck, Joe Lively and Trigger The Light take up the engagement instead of heading for Cheltenham, she should certainly get the latter.

Lavelle explained: “The only way she would not run is if the ground dried up to good or quicker, and that is probably unlikely.

“We were absolutely delighted with what turned out to be a schooling round we got paid for.

“It did her the world of good and her jumping has been great since.

“Hopefully she can now win us another big race.”