Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase: Pic D’Orhy out to extend fine Nicholls form

Also representing the all-conquering Ditcheat team is Saint Calvados, who proved much too keen when making his first appearance for owner-rider David Maxwell in the two-runner Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase at Ascot in November.

“The hood will quieten him down and I imagine he’ll be less strong with a few more runners – he needs a bit of cover,” said Maxwell.

“He’s nice, but I must admit I was a bit surprised by how strong he was when I rode him at Ascot. This should suit him a bit better, he should get a decent pace and I think he’ll go well.

“I’m just going to steer round tucked in third or fourth and see how we go, but I think he’ll go well and obviously Paul’s horses are in great form.”

It was Coole Cody who denied Saint Calvados at Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival winner is once again raced in graded company by handler Evan Williams.

Legend! Coole Cody wins the Grade 2 Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase from Saint Calvados at @Ascot for @Adamkwedge and @EWilliamsRacing! pic.twitter.com/INIEWoUYD3

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 19, 2022

“It’s a very very competitive race, but I don’t want to run him in handicaps where he’s giving chunks of weight away,” said the Llancarfan-based handler.

“So we’ll just keep trying our best in these types of races and see how we get on. He’s a smashing old horse and he’s been brilliant.”

Fergal O’Brien’s Paint The Dream was an emphatic 14-length winner at Newbury when last sighted, a victory that makes him highest-rated runner in the field.

Tom George’s course winner Clondaw Castle was second in this contest two years ago and drops back in trip having failed to land a blow when swimming in deep waters in the Betfair Chase, while the six-strong line-up is rounded off by Angels Breath, who makes his stable debut for Sam Thomas following 1,121 days off the track.

Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase betting odds

5/4 Pic D’Orhy

5/2 Paint The Dream

9/2 Saint Calvados

11/1 Angels Breath

14/1 Coole Cody

18/1 Clondaw Castle

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication