Karello Bay had no trouble landing the odds as the 2-5 favourite in the EBF Mares’ Only ’National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Wincanton.
The Listed bumper winner was an eyecatching third on her jumping debut and gave Mick Fitzgerald an armchair ride as she broke her duck.
Nicky Henderson’s charge was still cruising turning for home and only had to be shaken up over the final flight to see off Star Award and Strawberry by three lengths and the same.
The Lambourn trainer said: “She was here to get qualified for the mares’ final, which has been the plan for her all season.
“She will need to have one more run somewhere and then she will go to Newbury.”