Karghese produced a determined performance to justify favourite status in the William Hill County Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Last year's Triumph Hurdle finalist was a little keen to get his hands on Paul Townend but made a breakthrough from midfield on his home track and looked set for an easy win once he got to the front.
The five-year-old faced further competition from Gordon Elliott's Ndavi in the final leg but still did enough to lift the odds to 3-1 and give Willie Mullins an eighth race win to improve his record.
Mullins said: “We thought she was strong and this generation was well prepared, so we took a chance and came here. We had three of the first four, so maybe we were right.
“She was too keen on Ascot but I had to catch up with her and coming here without preparation is very difficult.
“I knew last season that I didn't want her in the fall, and we'll give her a chance in the spring. She's too critical of herself in her races, so we decided to focus on this time of year.
“In time she will be able to make a longer journey, but now she would be too hard on herself and the jockey.
“We'll celebrate here today and then make a decision. I usually go to Punchestown but I might see if there's anything for her at Aintree or Ayr.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
