Kala Conti looks set for Grade One appearance at Sandown

Gordon Elliott is eyeing another raid on the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown, this time with Kala Conti.

Elliott sent future Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe to the Esher track in 2023 to become just the second horse trained in Ireland to win the Grade One, after Willie Mullins’ Gitane Du Berlais in 2015.

Kala Conti holds an entry in the Grade Two Carey Glass Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Thurles on Sunday – but Elliott fears the ground may just be on the quick side for her.

As a result, Sandown racegoers on January 31 could be set to benefit from the presence of a mare who beat County Hurdle winner Kargese by 16 lengths on her second start over fences last month.

When asked about Thurles, Elliott said: “I’m told the ground is going to be good enough down there, so honestly I’d say no.

“I might go for the Scilly Isles with her. It could cut up and she could get black-type placed there.

“If she went there and ran well you’d have to think about Cheltenham.”