Lostintranslation to test Festival ambitions with step up to Grade 1 company in Sandown’s Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase
Colin Tizzard's novice was an impressive winner of the Dipper Chase at Cheltenham on New Year's Day
LOSTINTRANSLATION will step up to Grade 1 level for the first time over fences in the 888Sport Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
After placing behind Warren Greatrex's top-class mare La Bague Au Roi on his first two starts over the larger obstacles, Colin Tizzard's charge made it third time lucky with victory in the Grade 2 Dipper Novices' Chase at Cheltenham.
Joe Tizzard, assistant to his father, confirmed Lostintranslation an intended runner in this weekend's two-and-a-half-mile feature.
He said: "He is in lovely form and we are really pleased with him at home.
"We just need to get another race into him before Cheltenham, otherwise it would be a long time from running on New Year's Day until March.
"This fits perfectly."
Lostintranslation is one of 11 entries for the Scilly Isles and could renew rivalry with the Philip Hobbs-trained Dipper runner-up Defi Du Seuil.
Greatrex has retained the option for La Bague Au Roi - but she is an intended runner in the Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown on Sunday.
He said: "We are all set to go to Ireland. She has the entry at Sandown just in case there are any weather issues and we can't get over on the ferry, but we will aim to get her over Thursday rather than Friday if we need to.
Kim Bailey is likely to saddle the unbeaten Vinndication, while Nicky Henderson's Ok Corral could come back in trip after winning a Listed prize over three miles at Warwick.
Other contenders include Gary Moore's Dell Oro and Terence O'Brien's potential Irish challenger Articulum, although he also has options on home soil at this weekend's Dublin Racing Festival.