Ruby and Nicholls have a new Star
SILVINIACO CONTI proved himself a worthy heir to incredible Kauto Star as he produced a spring-heeled display to win the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
The six-year-old leapt to second-favouritism for the Gold Cup with most firms under a typically well judged front-running ride from Ruby Walsh, to leave Paul Nicholls beaming from ear to ear.
The runners were led down to the start by the 12-year-old Kauto Star and his faithful head lad Clifford Baker, receiving great applause from the Haydock crowd.
Nicholls said: ‘He is a really decent horse. He’s only six, he jumps, he stays - he jumped brilliantly today.
‘We had a chat before the race and I said if they go quick get a lead, if they don’t then bowl along. He jumps and gallops.
“There’s no better man to ride in front than Ruby.”
Hidden Cyclone looks set for the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown after continuing his fencing education with an all-the-way success at Gowran Park.
A dual Grade Two winner as a novice hurdler, the Shark Hanlon-trained gelding is expected to be even better over the bigger obstacles.
Facing five rivals in the Carlow IT Students Day At Gowran Park December 13 Chase, the 11-10 favourite was given a positive ride from flag-fall by Andrew McNamara.
Briefly joined by Call The Police, he jumped well and was not pressed to come home four and a quarter lengths clear of the Willie Mullins-trained runner, making it three wins from four starts since embarking on a chasing career.
‘He is a lot better out in front. Everyone was knocking him for his jumping but they can’t after today. I am delighted with his jumping,’ Hanlon said.
‘I will speak to his owners now, but the Lexus at Leopardstown looks the likely race. They probably didn’t go fast enough for him the last day and he likes a stronger pace. A lot of the Stowaway’s like to be out in front.’
Paddy Power cut Hidden Cyclone from 33-1 to 25s for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.