Silviniaco Conti Chase: Pic D’Orhy powers to Kempton Grade Two victory for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden | Racing News

Pic D’Orhy stamped his class in the Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton to give Paul Nicholls his third Grade Two win in four years and set up a potential clash with Shishkin next time out.

Fresh from his success in the Peterborough Chase, Pic D’Orhy (6/4 favourite) looked the one to beat, so it proved that, with one mistake before entering home, he was never in danger.

Harry Cobden, happy to dream for the boss in the new week with a big win in Bravemansgame, Hermes Allen and Tahmuras, oozed confidence throughout.

Coral cut the winner to 14/1 from 25s for the Ryanair Chase and on this form he will look good in the field.

Paint The Dream tried to keep tabs on him, but in the last second had enough tears and ended up being beaten twice by Clondaw Castle.

Angels Breath, the first run for Sam Thomas and the first outing for three years, understandably ran hard before he finally pulled up.

“I went for a walk this morning and was a little worried about the ground, but he’s happy,” Cobden said. “He missed four times, but he was also very confident.

“He’s improving and he’s a smart horse, but I think he’s just a few pounds to be a first class (horse).

“I don’t think the Ryanair Chase is going to be a thing and there are good races at Aintree and other festivals.

“Before, I think Ascot over two miles-five (next month’s Ascot Chase) will suit him. He should be able to use his best to jump there.”

A dream day for Skelton’s team as West Balboa landed in Lanzarote

West Balboa just beat Red Risk by completing the Lanzarote Coral Handicap Hurdle – capping a memorable evening for trainer Dan Skelton and providing Bridget Andrews with one of the most valuable winners of her career.

Skelton stayed close to home in Warwick, where he would witness the double title of Galia Des Liteaux and Gray Dawning, ridden by his brother, Harry.

Harry’s wife, Andrews, who is in West Balboa, and the couple are at odds as the field becomes thin.

There are still Charles Byrnes’ ante-post favorites Green Glory, Up For Parol and Red Risk, ridden by 7lb conditional Freddie Gingell.

West Balboa (12/1) had a slight advantage going into the final flight but found it all wrong, seemingly handing the initiative to Red Risk, as Up For Parol weakened.

To the horse’s credit, though, he fought back gamely and when a photo was needed to separate the pair, there was a short head on.

Arclight strolled to an easy victory Play Coral “Racing-Super-Series” For Free Juvenile Fillies Hurdle.

A winner on his hurdling debut at Doncaster, he was sent off the 8/15 favorite facing just three rivals.

Her task was then made easier when Regally Blonde, the punters’ second choice, was an early victim.

Nico de Boinville decided to keep it easy on Nicky Henderson, who was rated 76 on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, and the result was never in doubt as he won by 43 lengths.

The partnership of Henderson and De Boinville combined to double on the day as 5/4 favourites Quick Draw ran out an easy winner from Coral Bet Bundle Handicap Chase.

Only four also went to post for Coral Approaching Novice Action Obstacles which saw Jonjo O’Neill’s team win with Item Collector.

For much of the race, Harry Cobden looked certain to win the Paul Nicholls-on Makin’yourmindup hurdle but a late mistake saw him lose momentum and Item Collector (11/10) held on well to win by two lengths.

Evan Williams-trained Ansam made every yard of the run Coral Racing Club Handicap Chase.

A fair sixth in the Coral Gold Cup in Newbury, Adam Wedge took no prisoners from the front and quickly worked up a great advantage which he did not relinquish.

The 7/2 odds beat Smarty Wild by 17 lengths.