English/Ire
Unbeaten Irish chasers set for Scilly Isles showdown
Two highly exciting Irish-trained chasers will put their unbeaten records over fences on the line when Kitzbuhel and Kala Conti go head-to-head in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown.
Kitzbuhel has looked a complete natural over fences in two starts to date, making a smooth transition to chasing at Punchestown before stepping up to three miles with a ready success in the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
With Paul Townend occupied in Ireland, the Joe Donnelly-owned six-year-old will be ridden by Harry Cobden for the first time as he looks to land further British Grade 1 glory and give Willie Mullins just a second success in the contest following Gitane Du Berlais win in 2015.
Standing in his way will be Gordon Elliott's fellow Irish raider Kala Conti. The daughter of Karaktar, who carries the colours of Elliott's recent Scilly Isles winner Gerri Colombe, will look to make it three from three over fences having followed up a comfortable chasing debut victory with a wide-margin triumph in the Grade 2 company at Cork last month.
Last-time-out winners Sixmilebridge and Miami Magic complete the field of four.
The track passed a precautionary inspection on Thursday morning with racing now set to go ahead as planned.
An update from Sandown on X read: "Following an inspection this Morning, the decision has been made to continue with our original 7-race programme this Saturday, including both Hurdle and Chase races.
"Whilst no further inspection is currently planned, we will continue to monitor conditions over the next 48 hours and provide an update should it be necessary."
