2023 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase Tips - Murphy's star to Rock rivals at Sandown

Jordan Gainford misses the opening day of the Dublin Racing Festival to ride Gerri Colombe at Sandown. Gordon Elliott confirmed his star on Thursday, despite a dry forecast in the build-up to Saturday's card, which should ensure that the ground remains good-to-soft.

Gerri Colombe is the best horse in this race, but there's no doubt that softer ground would greatly enhance his chances and this strong stayer could get outpaced, especially over those fearsome railway fences. Monmiral and Balco Coastal have the ability to contend, but with Olly Murphy's stable in such red-hot form, I'll side with THUNDER ROCK.

A four-time winner over hurdles last year, Thunder Rock began life over fences with two impressive victories, including an eight-length thrashing of Solo around Ascot. Adrian Heskin's mount jumped poorly on his first start around Cheltenham in the Dipper last time out, but made up plenty of ground in the closing stages to finish a close third, crossing the line just a head behind Monmiral, having given his rival a ten-length headstart coming into the straight.

Murphy's runners have been striking at close to 30% over the past two weeks and the Scilly Isles will bring back great memories after Itchy Feet handed the team their first Grade One triumph at Sandown back in 2020.