Richard Johnson seeking Champagne West celebration

Richard Johnson is confident Champagne West has a "great chance" of getting back on the winning trail in the Betfred TV Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown today.

The Philip Hobbs-trained seven-year-old posted two impressive displays on his first couple of starts over fences at Cheltenham in November and December, but found Ptit Zig too strong when chasing a Prestbury Park hat-trick on New Years Day.

Johnson believes there was no disgrace in that defeat and expects another bold show in Saturdays Grade One feature.

His last run was a very good run. The horse that beat him that day is probably one of the best novice chasers weve seen this season over here, said the jockey.

He seems in great order at home and is very straightforward horse. I think hed handle most things ground-wise. He wouldnt want it very fast, but I dont think its going to be that.

Champagne West carries the colours of Roger Brookhouse, who said: He always looked the type to do better over fences and that is how its proving.

Hes certainly worth a crack at a Grade One.

Paul Nicholls won this race four years on the trot between 2006 and 2009 and this year the champion trainer saddles Irish Saint.

The six-year-old made an impressive start to his chasing career at the Esher circuit in early November before finishing third behind stable companion Vibrato Valtat in the Henry VIII Novices Chase on his return to the track. He got back to winning ways with a runaway success at Ascot last month and Nicholls is confident he will be in the mix once again.

He said: He won well the last day and was obviously suited by the step up in trip.

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Richard Johnson seeking Champagne West celebration