Sandown Scilly Isles: Betting Tips

The big meeting in Britain on Saturday comes at Sandown, where the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (14:35) is the feature on a strong card.

Saturday’s meeting runs from 12:50-16:20 and alongside the Grade 1 action are two strong handicaps, the Heroes Handicap Hurdle (15:10) and the Masters Handicap Chase (15:45).

We've assessed the action across the card on Saturday at Sandown and picked out our best bets.

12:50 - Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Novices' Hurdle (2m)

The most exciting runner in this line-up is the former Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Galileo, PEKING OPERA, who competed in Group 1 Flat races last season and who looks a classy recruit.

Big things can be expected from the 100,000gns purchase on this switch to hurdles and it looks significant that new trainer Gary Moore brings his runner to Sandown for his debut over obstacles. The trainer has a superb record at this track and should enhance it here.

Selection: Peking Opera

13:25 - Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Novices' Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)

Nicky Henderson won this race in 2015 with Aigle De La See and has a strong contender again this year with JINGKO BLUE, who appears to be progressing well over hurdles.

The son of Great Pretender finished second behind the smart prospect Personal Ambition when 4/7 favourite for his hurdles debut at Warwick and built on that at Newbury in December.

He kept on strongly on that occasion to beat market rival Masaccio and that is among the best form on offer in this contest. Further improvement should make Jingko Blue difficult to beat.

Selection: Jingko Blue

14:00 - Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Chase (1m71/2f)

There are only five in this line-up but it’s an open race and the one to be on might be IN EXCELSIS DEO, who is unlucky not to have registered a win already this season.

The Harry Fry-trained six-year-old kept on strongly for third in a 2m handicap chase at Cheltenham in October and then ran into the well-handicapped Madara back at that course last time.

He has been given a 49-day break since that run and is only 1lb higher than for that excellent effort last time. Provided they go a good gallop, he should be up to gaining a deserved win.

Selection: In Excelsis Deo

14:35 - Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (Grade 1, 2m4f)

HERMES ALLEN looked extremely promising when running away with a 2m4f Grade 2 on his chasing debut at Newbury in December and he jumped beautifully on his way to that victory.

A reproduction of that form would give him a big chance and it’s not difficult to excuse his defeat at the hands of the top-class Il Est Francais at Kempton last time.

That rival produced one of the most impressive performances from a novice in a long time and Hermes Allen was the only one to make any sort of challenge.

The 3m trip might also have stretched the selection on that occasion and the drop in distance is certain to suit.

Selection: Hermes Allen

15:10 - Virgin Bet Heroes Handicap Hurdle (2m71/2f)

This is a wide-open race and any number have a big chance, but the one to be on might be DUBROVNIK HARRY.

He was a good third at this course last season and has dropped to a mark 1lb lower than for that solid effort.

A good fourth on his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow proved that the eight-year-old still retains plenty of ability and he is worth another chance following a disappointing run in a hot race at Haydock last time.

A 70-day break since that effort should help Dubrovnik Harry as Fry’s runners tend to go well after time off.

Selection: Dubrovnik Harry

15:45 - Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase (3m)

There aren’t many better trainers of a handicap chaser than David Bridgwater and he sends DOM OF MARY here off a mark 9lb higher than when successful at Plumpton last month.

There could be plenty more improvement to come from this eight-year-old now that he has got his head in front and he is well served by a test of stamina, so a strongly run race like this should be ideal.

Caoilin Quinn is back on board claiming 3lb and a big run looks likely.

Selection: Dom Of Mary

16:20 - Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m)

A difficult race that closes the card could go to TOUQUET. Paul Nicholls won this race last season with Inthewaterside and Touquet made a successful debut over course and distance in November.

He evidently handles the course and Harry Cobden, who was on board for that debut win, is back in the saddle.

It will probably take a smart performance to lower Touquet’s colours provided that he turns up in the same form as when successful here first time out.

Selection: Touquet