Connections expect more from Kotkikova Kotkikova is expected to raise her game on her next appearance following her creditable effort in defeat at Leopardstown on Wednesday. A Grade One-winning chaser in France and also a multiple winner over the smaller obstacles, the five-year-old made her eagerly-anticipated debut for trainer Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus in the three-mile Christmas Hurdle. While she ultimately proved no match for Vroum Vroum Mag, she was far from disgraced in finishing fifth after travelling well for a long way on her first start since April. The owner's racing manager Frank Berry said: " She ran well to a point. It was her first run after a long time so hopefully she will improve for it. "It's too early to say where she'll go next."
