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

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 5m 11.00s

Colonel Harry^t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: G Sheehan| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 148| C

7/1

Likeable type who backed up his good second in Henry VIII Chase at this course in December when taking 4-runner Towton Novices' Chase at Wetherby (19.4f, heavy) 21 days ago. Looks sure to go well again.

Form: 412-121

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Djelo¹³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 149| BF

13/2

Wiped out at the first fence at Lingfield latest but has advanced his form significantly over fences this winter, making it 3 from 3 with something to spare in Noel Novices' Chase at Ascot (18.8f, good) in December. More to offer so he's a player once more.

Form: 08-111F

Hermes Allen^t³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 149| BF| D

8/13

Winner of Grade 1 Challow over hurdles last season and improved on that form when making an impressive winning chase debut at Newbury in December from Nickle Back. Lost little in defeat behind Il Est Francais at Kempton since and holds strong claims here.

Form: 1163-12

Le Patron⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: N F Houlihan| T: G & J Moore| OR: 150| CD

13/2

Won all 3 starts over fences and posted much his best performance to date when taking 6-runner Henry VIII Novices' Chase at this course (15.4f, soft) 56 days ago by 1¼ lengths from Colonel Harry. Return to longer trip no issue and another bold bid anticipated.

Form: 330-111

Nickle Back^h³⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: James Best| T: Mrs S J Humphrey| OR: 145| BF| D

10/1

Much improved since going chasing, winning handicaps at Warwick/Stratford and acquitting himself well in better company since, latest when second in Wayward Lad at Kempton (16f) 38 days ago. This looks tougher, though.

Form: 62-1122

Forecasts

Hermes Allen (8/13), Djelo (13/2), Le Patron (13/2), Colonel Harry (7/1), Nickle Back (10/1)

LE PATRON has improved with each start over fences and is 2 from 2 at this course. He gets the nod in what looks a cracking contest. Hermes Allen did little wrong behind an exceptional novice at Kempton last time and is feared most.