Isio primed for Chandler return

Nicky Henderson expects 2004 Victor Chandler Chase winner Isio to make a belated return to the track in the 2006 renewal of the race next month.

The talented gelding memorably got the better of Azertyuiop by a neck at Ascot before following up in the valuable Vodafone Gold Cup at Newbury.

He was last seen chasing home Moscow Flyer in the Melling Chase a month later over two and a half miles, and his trainer has not ruled out trying him over longer distances in time.

“After he won the Victor Chandler two years ago we just crept up in trip all the way through and then went to the Vodafone at Newbury,” Henderson told At The Races.

“Barry Geraghty rode him that day and when I asked if he stayed he said ‘he’ll stay as far as you want’.

“We bypassed Cheltenham intentionally to avoid Moscow Flyer et al and thought the two and a half at Liverpool would suit us well.

“Unfortunately Moscow had his fall at Cheltenham and consequently rerouted to Liverpool.

“I’ll admit we got our fair dose of medicine from Moscow Flyer but in fairness he ran a very, very good race – we were still bang with him two out.

“I put him in the Victor Chandler but basically there would be lack of targets over two and a half. One day I’d be very tempted to have a look at three.”