SILVINIACO Conti looks set to go off as favourite for the Betfair Ascot Chase (3.45pm) on Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 10-year-old, who has twice won the King George VI chase, heads a field of 10 runners for the afternoon’s feature Grade One race, with a prize fund of £150,000.

However, he was pulled up on his last outing at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, having previously been beaten when going off a 5/4 favourite in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Park in November. Cue Card won both those races.

The horse is currently a 5/2 favourite, with Nicholls’ other runner, Vibrato Valtat (6/1) also likely to attract interest in the 2m 5f contest.

The current second favourite is David Pipe’s runner Dynaste (10/3), while Royal Regatta (9/2) represents trainer Philip Hobbs.

Nicky Henderson saddles Ma Filleule (11/2) and Trio D’Alene (7/1), with the field completed by Flemenstar (10/1), Irish Cavalier and Savello (both 14/1), and the outsider, Amore Alato (20/1).

On a day of top-quality jumps action, other races include the Grade Two Sodexo Reynoldstown Novices’ Steeple Chase, and the Ascot Steeple Chase.

The seven-race card opens with the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at 1.15pm, and sees the final outings for prospects heading to the Cheltenham Festival next month.

Gates open at 10.45am, with Grandstand tickets costing £23 in advance and £27 on the day.

Premier tickets are £32 on the day or £30 in advance, while children can enter for free.

For more, visit https://www.ascot.co.uk/ascot-chase.