Scilly Isles: can anything lay up with this hugely exciting novice?

The Scilly Isles has a poor reputation, at least in the exalted company of Grade 1s, but it is surely up for review. The last six winners include Oscar Whisky, Bristol De Mai, Top Notch and Defi Du Seuil.

The star name in this line-up is undoubtedly Laurina. None of those mentioned above would have gone off 5-2 for a Champion Hurdle, as she did in March, although Oscar Whisky managed a place better than Laurina's fourth.

The expectation was that Laurina would improve for two and a half miles this winter and that looked like happening when she toyed with Minella Indo at Gowran on her chasing debut. However, even allowing for the return to 2m1f at Leopardstown over Christmas, the way she jumped and the fact she bled, the run leaves a sour taste.