The Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (Saturday 3 February) is a Grade 1 Chase run over 2 Miles 4 Furlongs and 10 Yards at Sandown. It was first run in 1964, and the race’s most famous winner is the 2001 winner Best Mate, who went on to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups from 2002-2004.
Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase 10-Year-Trends
- Five 7-year-olds, two 6-year-olds, two 5-year-olds and one 9-year-old have been successful
- 7 of the last 10 favourites have won
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 1/6 to 9/2
- Nicky Henderson has trained 4 of the last 8 winners
- Daryl Jacob has ridden the last 3 winners
- Barry Geraghty has ridden 3 of the last 8 winners
- The last 3 winners have been owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede
Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase Main Contenders
Benatar
6-year-old who has quickly made up into a useful chaser, and he made it 3 out of 3 last time at Ascot. His jumping was excellent that day, and Sandown should suit him as it is a real test of jumping for any novice. His trainer Gary Moore also has a good overall record at Sandown, and he’s been firing in the winners recently.
Fountains Windfall
8-year-old who got off the mark over fences at the third attempt, though looked the most likely winner of the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton in December until falling. Slight worry that he’s been drifting since the ante-post market opened, but his trainer Anthony Honeyball is having an excellent season.
Terrefort
5-year-old who won his only race since arriving from France, and he won it impressively by 10-lengths from a 136-rated rival. He’s also owned by Munir and Souede, and trained by Nicky Henderson, and may well be ridden by Daryl Jacob in his bid to win the race for the fourth year running. 2 of the last 3 winners have been 5-year-olds.
Cyrname
6-year-old who has won 2 of his 3 chases in England, and was particularly impressive when winning by 7-lengths at Kempton last time, when he jumped well when allowed to bowl along in front. Should like Sandown if adopting the same tactics, and some there’s been some early money around for him. Trainer Paul Nicholls trained four consecutive winners of this race between 2006 and 2009.
Kalondra
7-year-old who has won 2 of his 3 chases, and he looked especially good when beating three useful types at Cheltenham last time. The three horses behind him all let that form down on their next runs though, and he may be vulnerable to one of the less exposed types.
Our Betfred TV Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase 2018 Horse Racing Preview & Tip
The five horses at the top of the market bring a variety of form-lines to the table, and it will be interesting to see which one prevails. Benatar and Fountains Windfall have both won decent races at similar trips, whilst Cyrname could find further improvement stepped-up in trip. However, as Henderson, Munir and Souede have enjoyed so much recent success in this race, it could be worth siding with their 5-year-old Terrefort.
2018 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase Tip: Terrefort