Scilly season as Kitzbuhel goes for Sandown glory

KITZBUHEL can secure victory in the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase (GBB Race) (2.40pm) at Sandown Park this afternoon it the meeting passes a precautionary inspection at 7.30am this morning.

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Willie Mullins’ six-year-old can maintain his unbeaten start to his chasing career and land the Grade One feature on the Esher track.

Kitzbuhel, who was fifth in the Grade One Liverpool Hurdle at last season’s Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, has looked a natural over fences and can land a third straight victory and potentially book his ticket to the Cheltenham Festival in March.

He made his first start over the bigger obstacles in a Beginners Chase over 2m3f at Punchestown in November. He justified being odds-on favourite when beating stablemate Kaid d’Authie by a length-and-a-quarter.

Stepped up in trip to three miles and Grade One company, Kitzbuhel impressed again. A strong-travelling, super jumper, he beat Thomas Mor by two-and-three-quarters-of-a-length in the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

Kitzbuhel is one of a number of top prospects for the all-powerful Mullins’ stable and with a few others lining up at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown this weekend, it makes sense to send him across the Irish Sea again.

Kitzbuhel looks a worthy favourite and can bring up a hat-trick of wins and land a second success at the top level at Sandown.

Fergal O'Brien's improving Sixmilebridge - who has won his last two starts at Ayr and Cheltenham - may give Kitzbuhel most to think about. But the seven-year-old may have to settle for second.

Mr Vango can get back on the wining trail in the finale, the Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (3.42pm).