2:20 Sandown – Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (G1)
Although the ground is perhaps a little quicker than ideal, L’HOMME PRESSE ran well enough on Good to Soft ground at Exeter and Ascot before Christmas and he is very hard to oppose on level weights.
Venetia Williams rising star is 3 from 3 over fences and won the Dipper at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day with any amount in hand. He beat the Glancing Queen by 10-lengths giving her 5lbs and the 3rd horse Fantastikas, who was a further 3-lengths back in 3rd, won at Lingfield last month to boost that form. His connections have a difficult decision to make over what race to enter him in at the Cheltenham festival, but this race should be ideal for him.
PIC D’ORHY is a clear 2nd best after his win in the Howden Noel at Ascot before Christmas and should get the race run to suit his strong travelling style. He won that last race with some ease, though he still has work to do with L’Homme Presse, but the 2 of them are a long way clear of the rest and the forecast looks quite a solid play if they both get round.
