Henrietta Knight declared herself thrilled with Racing Demon after his third place in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
The West Lockinge handler will now take stock and consider future options for her rising star after an encouraging show.
Racing Demon proved no match for the classy Kauto Star, but had plenty of other very good animals behind him.
Knight believes that if her charge can brush up on his jumping, there are bright times ahead.
"We were thrilled with him," Knight said. "He needs to jump a bit more economically, but he was one of the least experienced and that will come in time.
"We will take him home from here, but I think he wants at least three miles."
Kauto Star survived two bad blunders to claim an impressive victory
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