Conti Cut for Further Glory

Silviniaco Conti was slashed for the King George VI Chase and the Cheltenham Gold Cup following an impressive win at Wetherby on Saturday.

Paul Nicholls' charge was a conmfortable winner of the Charlie Hall Chase and was duly cut to a best price of 8/1 for the King George, which takes place at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Betfred, totesport and Betfred all offer 8s, but Paddy Power are as short as 5/1.

Only Long Run and Grands Crus are ahead of Paul Nicholls' star in the market on best price.

As for next March's Gold Cup, Boylesports were prepared to offer a standout 16/1 with numerous firms, including Sky Bet and BetVictor, at 14s from as big as 33/1.

Ladbrokes were notably short though at 10/1.

Sir Des Champs is currently regarded as the Gold Cup favourite at a best of 6/1.

Meanwhile, another Nicholls horse, Kauto Stone, won the big race at Down Royal - the JNwine.com Champion Chase - and was also cut for victory at the Festival.

Paddy Power offer a best of 20/1 in the Ryanair Chase market, bet365 offer just 12s.

There are also 25/1 quotes for the Cheltenham Gold Cup floating about, while several firms offer 50/1 in their Queen Mother Champion Chase market.

On what was a fine day for Nicholls, Cristal Bonus also won on the Northern Irish card and is now 16/1 for the Ryanair.

In other markets, My Tent Or Yours is a general 20/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle following an impressive win at Ascot under the fit-again Tony McCoy.

And another Ascot winner, Raya Star, was given a 40/1 quote for the Champion Hurdle by sponsors Stan James.