Irish aces Fakir D'Oudairies and Laurina given Scilly Isles option at Sandown

The Dublin Racing Festival takes centre stage this weekend but two Irish-trained Grade 1 winners have been given the option of a trip to Britain instead, with Fakir D’Oudairies and Laurina entered in the Betway Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown on Saturday.

Both also hold top-level entries at Leopardstown and Joseph O’Brien, who trains Fakir D’Oudairies, noted that ground and opposition could dictate where his five-year-old heads.

"We’ll be making a decision as late as possible as to where he goes," O’Brien said. "At this stage we’re waiting to see how the ground is going to be in both places and what else lines up. The plan has been to run this weekend and all being well he’ll take his chance, wherever that may be."

The going for six of the last seven Scilly Isles contests has been soft or heavy, and O’Brien noted that was a factor in entering him at Sandown.

He added: "That was something we considered when making the entry. We’ll be leaving it late and it will have to be discussed with Frank [Berry] and JP [McManus]."

Fakir D’Oudairies and Laurina were among 12 entries for the 2m4f Grade 1, alongside Vision Des Flos and Midnight Shadow.

Nicky Henderson, who has won five of the last ten runnings, has three entered in the race. His back-to-back winner Pym could be joined by Champagne Platinum and Precious Cargo.

He said: "We aren't too sure yet but Champagne Platinum is the most likely to go but the other two might do too. Everything is entered everywhere at the moment."

Henderson could also unleash top-class novice Shishkin on the same card, with the Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite entered in a Betway-sponsored two-mile event.

Shishkin (left): 'very possible' for Sandown opener on SaturdayCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

The six-year-old – who carries the same Marie Donnelly colours as Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo – made a big impression when quickening smartly in an 11-length victory at Newbury this month.

He was initially shortened into 10-1 for the Cheltenham Festival curtain raiser but has been attracting plenty of support since and now heads the market at a general 4-1.

Watch Shishkin win impressively at Newbury

However, Henderson revealed Shishkin has a few options for his festival preparation, including the Sidney Banks Memorial at Huntingdon on February 6.

Henderson said: "He could go to Sandown but we'll also think about the Sidney Banks or somewhere else the following week. We'll give ourselves the option with the weather and everything but it's very possible we'll run him on Saturday.

"He fell early on in his first start over hurdles so we've only really had one go. We'd like to get some more experience into him."

Call Me Lord, Quel Destin and Eldorado Allen figure among the Listed Contenders Hurdle entries on the same card.

Click here to view Saturday's Sandown entries

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