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Silviniaco sparkles in Denman Chase win

Silviniaco Conti made it three wins for the season © PA Photos

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Silviniaco Conti reinforced his Gold Cup claims with an impressive success in the Betfair Denman Chase.

With Kauto Star now retired, Paul Nicholls needs a leading chasing light and Silviniaco Conti is the new kid on the Ditcheat block and he made it three wins on the spin this season.

The seven-year-old sat off a strong gallop before being delivered with his challenge up the long Newbury straight. Silviniaco Conti's fencing was brilliant throughout and he powered away from last year's Gold Cup second The Giant Bolster after the last to justify favouritism.

Former top-class French chaser Mail De Bievre, on his first outing in the best part of two years, was fresh on his return to action and carted rider Paddy Brennan to the front. Mail De Bievre jumped brilliantly and the fierce gallop had most of his rivals in trouble.

Only Silviniaco Conti and The Giant Bolster were in contention turning for home and they moved up either side of the leader four from home. They quickened away as Mail De Bievre began to tire.

At the second last, a slick leap took Silviniaco Conti to the front and although The Giant Bolster gave chase all the way to the line, the favourite was always in command.

Tony McCoy, Nicky Henderson and JP McManus, who lost Darlan earlier in the week, were back on the up as My Tent Or Yours routed his rivals in the Betfair Hurdle.

The novice looked well handicapped on the book and that proved to be correct, as McCoy was motionless for much of the race aboard the 5/1 favourite. His mount sauntered to the front at the second from home and he careered away in the manner of a high-class prospect.

Barry Geraghty and Nicky Henderson opened up the Newbury card with a win, as Chatterbox successfully conceded 14lb to Lac Fontanta in the Visit betfair.com/racingoffers Novices' Hurdle. Chatterbox took the scalp of My Tent Or Yours last time out and proved the win was no fluke with a taking success.

Wishfull Thinking came with a wet sail after the last to cut down French Opera close home to land the Game Spirit Chase for jockey Richard Johnson and trainer Phillip Hobbs.

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