Native River in full flow for Kempton Kauto Star race

Native River is to be stepped back up to Grade One company for a tilt at the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

After finishing third on his chasing debut at Chepstow in October, the Colin Tizzard-trained five-year-old has since posted wins at Exeter and in the Grade Two Worcester Novices' Chase at the Hennessy meeting at Newbury last month.

Native River's last venture at Grade One level came on his final start over hurdles when he finished ninth in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Tizzard said: "He will jump Tuesday morning and be entered in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase.

"I'm sure there will be half a dozen strong stayers in the race but he is in good form and looks a strong stayer himself."