Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 5m 11.30s

Balco Coastal⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 144| D

5/1

Two-time novice hurdle winner last term. Failed to justify short-priced favouritism on his Newbury chase debut/return but showed why the market vibes had been so strong on that occasion when comfortably winning a traditionally strong Kempton novice handicap on Boxing Day. Capable of better again.

Form: 12P3-51

Bowtogreatness⁴⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 135| BF| D

33/1

Dual novice hurdle winner last winter and better form when placed in novice handicap chases at Exeter and Ffos Las this time round. Looks to be biting off more than he can chew at this level, though.

Form: F110-23

Gerri Colombe⁴⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Jordan Gainford| T: G Elliott| D

10/11

Has yet to taste defeat in 7 starts (first one a point), taking the step up to Grade 1 level in his stride at Limerick over Christmas. Likely even more to come and can remain unbeaten.

Form: 11/11-11

Monmiral³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 148| BF

10/3

Smart hurdler. Has failed to win his 2 starts since switching to fences but he came up against Jonbon at Warwick on the first occasion and recorded a smart effort when second (Thunder Rock just behind in third) in the Grade 2 Dipper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. Open to further progress.

Form: 1/542-22

Thunder Rock³⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Adrian Heskin| T: O Murphy| OR: 150| D

11/2

Four-time hurdle winner last term who has improved plenty for a switch to chasing, winning small-field novice handicaps at Uttoxeter and Ascot before third (Monmiral narrowly ahead in second) in Dipper at Cheltenham. This is tougher.

Form: 191-113

Forecasts

Gerri Colombe (10/11), Monmiral (10/3), Balco Coastal (5/1), Thunder Rock (11/2), Bowtogreatness (33/1)

GERRI COLOMBE was very impressive at Limerick over Christmas and can become just the second Irish-trained winner of this race. Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls have landed this Grade 1 prize 6 and 4 times respectively and their representatives, Balco Coastal and Monmiral, can give Gordon Elliott's charge most to think about.