Activial tops betting for Ladbroke Hurdle

Activial heads the betting at 4-1 with Bookmaker Coral for Saturday’s Ladbroke Hurdle following this morning’s final declaration for the contest at Ascot. Dan Skelton’s Shelford has also been well backed this week with the firm and is second best in the betting at 6-1, while Clondaw Warriror and Balgarry are both available at 7-1.

In the Long Walk Hurdle, Coral make Zarkandar the 5-4 favourite for the Grade One contest, while Silvinaco Conti tops the market at 5-2 for the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day following the news that Simonsig has been ruled out of the Kempton race.

“The withdrawal of Sign Of A Victory has ensured Activial is now the clear favourite for the Ladbroke Hurdle, however, there has been a lot of support for the Dan Skelton trained Shelford who does have form on soft ground,” said Coral’s John Hill.

“Silviniaco Conti is the horse they all have to beat on Boxing Day as far as we are concerned. Paul Nicholls’ runner was right back to his best at Haydock last month so he is a worthy favourite to win the race for the second consecutive year,” added Hill.

**Ladbroke Hurdle

4 Activial, 6 Shelford, 7 Balgarry, Clondaw Warrior, 10 Garde La Victoire, 12 Bayan, 14 Goodwood Magic, Hello George, 16 Baradari, 18 Pine Creek, 20 Pyromantic, Sea Beat, 25 Bar.

**Long Walk Hurdle

5-4 Zarkandar, 3 Medinas, 4 Reve De Sivola, 7 Aubusson, 10 Dell Arca.

**King George VI Chase

5-2 Silviniaco Conti, 3 Champagne Fever, 6 Al Ferof, 8 Menorah, 10 Cue Card, Dynaste, 20 Ballycasey, Boston Bob, Holywell, Ma Feuille, Road To Riches, Wishfull Thinking, 25 Bar

**Coral Welsh Grand National

8 Midnight Prayer, Monbeg Dude, Shotgun Paddy, 10 Hawkes Point, 12 Mountainous, 14 Benvolio, Gas Line Boy, Unioniste, 16 Benbens, Edmund Kean, Emperor’s Choice, Green Flag, Vics Canvas, 20 Amigo, Firebird Flyer, Rebeccas Choice, Relax, Rigadin De Beauchene, Samingarry, Tour Des Champs, Victors Serenade, 25 Bar