Unbeaten Gerri Colombe among entries for Grade 1 Scilly Isles at Sandown | Horse Racing News

Gordon Elliott has entered Class 1 winner Gerri Colombe in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novice Hunt on Saturday (2.20pm) at Sandown.

The unbeaten seven-year-old won the Faugheen Novice Chase in Limerick last month, breaking his career record to a perfect six and placing himself firmly in the tally for his trainer’s Cheltenham Festival team.

Monmiral and Thunder Rock lead the British challenge. They were only separated by a header as they finished second and third behind The Real Whacker in the Dipper on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham.

Olly Murphy-trained Thunder Rock was two of two over fences, both handicapped, and found himself falling too far behind when he first tried Graded Company at Cheltenham, but remained powerful in the closing stages to see Monmiral nearly second to wrestle space.

Trained by Paul Nicholls, Monmiral won a Class 1 hurdle as a youngster and began his life over fences with a respectable second place finish to Jonbon at Warwick.

Nicky Henderson has joined Balco Coastal, who arrive in Kempton after a comfortable nine-length win in a novice handicap chase. The Seven Barrows manager has also hired Bold Endeavour, who has been unbeaten in two starts since joining from Laura Morgan. Morgan-trained Notlongtillmay and Bowtogreatness (Ben Pauling) are also there.

Balco Coast Nicky Henderson
bold effort Nicky Henderson
Bow to greatness Ben Pauling
Gerry Colombe Gordon Eliot
Monmiral Paul Nichols
Till May Laura Morgan
thunder rock Olly Murphy

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FIRST PUBLICATION ON JANUARY 30, 2023 AT 2:08 PM