Betfair Denman Chase Result: Conti stamps Festival credentials

Silviniaco Conti was cut for the Gold Cup following his win at Newbury

Silviniaco Conti further cemented his position as a leading contender for Gold Cup honours with a straightforward success in the Denman Chase at Newbury...

Arriving at Newbury on the back of victory in the Charlie Hall Chase and a defeat of Long Run at Haydock last time out, the seven-year-old jumped three out in unison with The Giant Bolster and long-timer leader Mail De Bievre.

The latter had made a bold bid from the front on his British debut but gave way going to the second-last as Silviniaco Conti just shaded The Giant Bolster.

Silviniaco Conti asserted going to the final fence and was quickly away from it, staying on well to see off last year's Gold Cup runner-up, to whom he was giving 4lb, by seven lengths.

Winning rider Ruby Walsh said: "Through the race he travelled well and jumped well. He did well for a horse short of full fitness on quite testing ground. Paul (Nicholls) has not got him fully wound up. He has one race in mind."

"If he improves as much from the Charlie Hall as he did to the Betfair Chase he will run a big race in the Gold Cup."

The Paul Nicholls-trained runner now trades at 7.06/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

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