OLLY Murphy is set to throw Itchy Feet in at the deep end on Saturday.
The six-year-old, who was third in last years Supreme Novices Hurdle, will step back up into Grade 1 company in the Betway Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown.
High-class Irish pair Laurina and Fakir DOudairies are among the 12 entries, but they also have the option to run at Leopardstown this weekend.
Nicky Henderson has entered Champagne Platinum, Precious Cargo and Pym, while Grand Sancy and Midnight Shadow are also in contention.
Itchy Feet won easily on chasing debut at Leicester and got his eye in with a schooling session at Huntingdon last week.
Murphy said: “All being well, Itchy Feet will go for the Scilly Isles on Saturday.
“He’s a horse I’m looking forward to running, and the step up in trip will hopefully bring about more improvement from him.
He jumped well up the home straight at Huntingdon last week and it was good to get a bit more practice in.
He ran well to finish third in the Supreme. He is a lovely horse that has done me proud.
In the Betway Contenders Hurdle, Henderson, who has farmed the race in recent years, relies on International Hurdle winner Call Me Lord.
Henderson said: “The plan is to go to the Contenders Hurdle on Saturday. We know he likes the track there, and he is in good form.
“He might not be my first choice for the Champion Hurdle – but on the other hand, what has he done wrong? He has won the International and he has won this and that.
“Buveur D’Air has used the race as his prep for the Champion Hurdle – and as he is out of action, we might as well try and capture the race with this horse.”
Call Me Lord will face a maximum of six rivals in the Listed event, including Colin Tizzard’s Eldorado Allen and Grade 1 winner Quel Destin.
