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

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 5m 21.62s

Kitzbuhel³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 153

10/11

Smart over hurdles and already looks a better chaser than a hurdler, taking the step up in class in his stride when making all in Kauto Star (Grade 1) at Kempton on Boxing Day, his jumping making it very hard for anything else to get a look-in. That style of running can be a big asset around here.

Form: 11531-1

Miami Magic³⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Charlie Hammond| T: S Edmunds| OR: 142| D

14/1

Useful over hurdles last season (runner-up in the Formby) and showed that level at the third attempt over fences this term when winning 5-runner Cheltenham novice on New Year's Day, suited by return to this trip. Significant improvement required in this company, however.

Form: 227-331

Sixmilebridge^t⁵⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Kielan Woods| T: F O'Brien| OR: 149| C| D

6/1

Front runner who looked a smart recruit to chasing when winning Ayr maiden and Cheltenham novice (both 3-runner fields) this season. Well worth a shot at this level but does face serious competition for the lead.

Form: 11D9-11

Kala Conti⁵⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott

2/1

Useful over hurdles and made it 2 from 2 over fences in the manner of a smart chaser in Grade 2 mares novice at Cork 55 days ago, beating the reappearing Kargese by 16 lengths. Sure to make a bold bid for the hat-trick.

Form: 2270-11

Forecasts

Kitzbuhel (10/11), Kala Conti (2/1), Sixmilebridge (6/1), Miami Magic (14/1)

KITZBUHEL impressed with his jumping when making all in the Kauto Star at Kempton over Christmas and should prove hard to pass around here with the drop back in trip unlikely to be an issue. Kala Conti is the obvious threat having won both her starts over fences this season, including a Grade 2 mares novice at Cork by a wide margin.