Scilly Isle Novices Chase betting and odds preview

Events / Editor / 20 October 2007 / Leave a Comment

Taking place at Sandown Park in early-February, the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novice Chase, run over two-and-a-half miles, is always a strong betting heat and can offer significant pointers to the prospects of aspiring star chasers for the big Cheltenham betting events.

The tough Sandown fences and the stiff uphill finish mean that this is a sound test of a young horse and the race rarely attracts more than five or six runners prepared to take on the challenge.

Since Best Mate's victory in 2001, no true star has emerged but this has proved a strong heat for horses at relatively short odds and only one horse longer than 11/2 in the betting (Golden Goal 10/1, 2002) has prevailed.

The race can have a big impact on the ante-post odds for both the Arkle Chase and the Royal & Sun Alliance Chase, but those stepping in to bet at this stage should be aware that with the exception of Best Mate, no winner of this race in recent years has managed to go on to Festival glory.