CORAL SILVINIACO CONTI CHASE - PREVIEW & TIPS
2:40 KEMPTON
CORAL SILVINIACO CONTI CHASE (GRADE 2) (GBB RACE)
A fascinating Grade 2 contest that packs plenty of quality into a small field.
SILVINIACO CONTI CHASE - PREVIEW
The Silviniaco Conti Chase has quickly established itself as one of the key mid-season contests for two-and-a-half-mile chasers, run over a distance that places an emphasis on fluent jumping, tactical speed and the ability to hold a position around Kempton’s tight right-handed circuit. Named after the dual King George VI Chase winner, the race often attracts horses operating just below the very top level, as well as those testing their credentials for bigger targets later in the spring.
This year’s renewal sees just four runners declared, but the small field does not detract from the quality on offer. The race brings together an upwardly mobile Grade 1 winner in Kalif Du Berlais, a seasoned champion in Edwardstone and two solid Grade 2 performers in Boombawn and Master Chewy. With good ground expected and no shortage of pace on paper, this looks set up to reward accurate jumping and tactical efficiency rather than brute stamina.
SILVINIACO CONTI CHASE - RUNNER BY RUNNER GUIDE
MASTER CHEWY - 15/2
A likeable and genuine performer who has been knocking on the door in good company without quite getting his head in front. His second in the Old Roan on seasonal return was a solid effort, but he has struggled to make an impact in deeper races since. Back at Kempton and down in grade he may fare better, but others look to have more upside.
BOOMBAWN - 11/2
A smart chaser at his best and a previous Grade 2 winner, but his form has plateaued a little over the last twelve months. He was disappointing behind Edwardstone at Huntingdon and will need to bounce back to his very best to trouble the principals. Capable of running respectably, but winning looks a stiff task.
KALIF DU BERLAIS - 4/6
A high-class novice last season who finished his campaign with a Grade 1 success at Aintree, marking him down as a chaser with real potential. His reappearance in the Haldon Gold Cup was underwhelming, but that was over a shorter trip and he has since been given time to freshen up. This step up to two and a half miles could unlock further improvement and he looks the one with the most scope in the field.
EDWARDSTONE - 4/1
The elder statesman of the line-up, but still capable of producing form that most of these would struggle to match. He ran an excellent race when second in the Peterborough Chase last time, shaping well over an intermediate trip and confirming that he remains competitive at this level. Receiving weight all round, he is respected as the main danger if the favourite underperforms.
SILVINIACO CONTI CHASE - FINAL THOUGHTS
Despite the small field, this is a fascinating tactical race, with Kalif Du Berlais likely to be ridden positively to make use of his athletic jumping, while Edwardstone’s experience and weight concession could see him kept within striking distance throughout. Kempton’s layout places a premium on rhythm and any mistakes at the wrong time will be costly in a race where margins are likely to be tight turning for home.
Kalif Du Berlais is the clear selection, not just on what he has already achieved, but on what he may yet become. His novice form sets the standard here and this looks an ideal opportunity for him to get his season back on track in a Grade 2 that lacks depth. Edwardstone remains a formidable opponent and should not be underestimated, but the balance of age, potential and conditions tilts the race in favour of Paul Nicholls’ six-year-old, who looks well placed to add another high-class success to his record.