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Laurina And Fakir D'oudairies Among 12 Scilly Isles Entries

3 minute read

Laurina and Fakir D'oudairies feature among 12 entries for the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown on Saturday.

Laurina.
Laurina. Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Joseph O'Brien's Fakir D'Oudairies (Timeform rating 147p) was hugely impressive in winning his first two starts over Irish fences, including a Grade One success in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse.

The JP McManus-owned five-year-old found Notebook too strong on his latest appearance at Leopardstown over the festive period - and while he holds two entries at the Dublin Racing Festival this weekend, connections have also given him the option of running in Britain on Saturday.

The Willie Mullins-trained Laurina (141p) is another potential Irish raider. A previous winner at Sandown over hurdles, the high-class mare was pulled up after bursting a blood vessel in the same race in which Fakir D'oudairies finished second last month.

The potential home contingent includes Olly Murphy's Itchy Feet (127P), who faces a step up in class after dominating two inferior rivals on his chasing bow at Leicester. The six-year-old delighted his trainer in a schooling session after racing at Huntingdon on Friday.

Murphy said: "He jumped well in himself up the home straight (at Huntingdon). I just wanted Gavin Sheehan to sit on him because he didn't get to ride him on his first start over fences, so that schooling session was ideal.

"All being well, he'll go for the Scilly Isles. He's a horse I'm looking forward to running, and the step up in trip will hopefully bring about more improvement from him.

"He has only had the one run over fences and he is now going into a Grade One, but at least he has jumped another few fences on a racecourse.

"He is a lovely horse that has done me proud. He ran well to finish third in the Supreme Novices' (Hurdle) on soft ground - but all his other form is on better ground, and I do think he is better on that ground."

Nicky Henderson has entered Champagne PlatinumPrecious Cargo (144p) and Pym (145p) - while the Paul Nicholls-trained Grand Sancy (140+) and Midnight Shadow (144p) from Sue Smith's are also among the hopefuls.


Timeform

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