David Ord takes a look at the five runners in Saturday's Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown.
Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase
- When: 2.35 Saturday, February 3
- Where: Sandown
- First prize: £56,950.00
- Going: Good to Soft, Soft (in places)
- TV: ITV & Racing TV
Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook
COLONEL HARRY: Thoroughly likeable young chaser who got back to winning ways when seeing off Trelawne in the Towton at Wetherby last time. Had previously got within a length-and-a-quarter of Le Patron in the Henry VIII here and the extra four furlongs could sway that particular battle his way this time. The war on the other hand...
DJELO: Was ticking over nicely as a chaser before being knocked sideways by an errant Matata at the first at Lingfield last time and falling. Had earlier looked a good fit for this race when beating Kandoo Kid at Ascot in December and is capable of better yet.
HERMES ALLEN: Held in the highest regard by his powerful stable and made a sparkling start over fences when sweeping aside Nickle Back at Newbury at the start of December. Was then sent to the Kauto Star at Kempton where he got closest to the ultra-impressive Ill Est Francais. He travelled and jumped well to the second last there, the drop back to two-and-a-half miles is no inconvenience – and neither is the fact the French raider is nowhere to be seen.
LE PATRON: Won handicaps off 113 and 122 before springing that 16/1 surprise in the Henry VIII. He impressed with his jumping that day have made it a proper test of stamina at the minimum trip, though he’s proven at Saturday’s distance too. The placed horses Colonel Harry and JPR One have both franked the form since and there was no element of fluke about the performance so he has to be respected.
NICKLE BACK: A freewheeling front-runner who jumps well, the eight-year-old will ensure Le Patron doesn’t get it all his own way at the head of affairs but after being brushed aside by Hermes Allen, he found Master Chewy too strong in the Wayward Lad at Kempton. Others look stronger.
Conclusion
Le Patron’s Henry VIII form is working out well but there are a couple in this field who’ll want to get on with it and that could just tee the race up for HERMES ALLEN. He was flawless on his chasing debut at Newbury and then caught the proverbial tartar at Kempton over Christmas. He can get back to winning ways and register a first top flight win over the larger obstacles.
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