Silviniaco Conti 7/1 For Gold Cup

Silviniaco Conti put in a slick jumping performance as he dictated matters in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. The six-year-old ran out a 2.5 length winner and probably heads straight to the Cheltenham Festival, after trainer Paul Nicholls said he “loves to be fresh”. He was cut to 7/1 (Bet365) from 14/1 in the Gold Cup betting.

It was another disappointing result for Long Run who lost out in the sprint for the line. He’s now lost four out of five races since winning the Gold Cup in 2011 and is out to 10/1 (Boylesports) to regain the title in March. The King George is the next opportunity to prove the doubters wrong, and he is 4/1 (Bet365) to win Kempton’s Boxing Day showpiece.