Scilly Isles Result: Conan makes hard work of it

Nicky Henderson: Trainer of Captain Conan.

Captain Conan made hard work of landing the odds in the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase...

The 1-2 favourite, trained by Nicky Henderson, looked cooked when Third Intention jumped the final fence with a healthy advantage in the Grade One chase.

However, Colin Tizzard's runner found the Sandown hill too much as Barry Geraghty seized the opportunity to galvanise Captain Conan and win by a neck.

"It was definitely harder work than we thought. He jumped nicely, but I knew from the water jump it was going to be hard work," Geraghty told Channel 4 Racing.

"I know Nicky has got an indoor school which has kept them on the go, but I'd say he just lacked a bit of race fitness.

"I don't think the ground was an issue. He's a big horse who wants a lot of work.

"I would say two and a half miles is perfect for him."

Henderson said: "He did well to win. It answers one question as he wasn't going to win at two miles.

"They went a good gallop and he's a big gross horse.

"We were going to run him in the Dipper in early January and that was off then we were stuck in the snow.

"He's a big horse and just got a bit tired.

"He's had to hang around a long time waiting for this.

"He didn't win on the bridle but he jumped well and he stayed."

Captain Conan can now be backed at 30.029/1 for the Arkleand 6.25/1 for the Jewson.

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.