Denman Chase 2012

2.25 Newbury

Betfair Denman Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £25,628

Advice: 3 pts win Silviniaco Conti (8/11 general)

Master Of The Hall: Very good when he gets the right conditions but not found things going his own way so much of late, well beaten sixth behind Silviniaco Conti on last chase start; Others make more appeal.

Menorah: Has been hit and miss but still retains plenty of the talent that saw him impress so much as hurdles judged upon impressive and convincing win in Peterbough Chase over Christmas; Ground will be no problem and small field with out of form types should be ideal, so can go well.

Silviniaco Conti: Always threatened to be top class at some point (easy to forget how impressive he was over hurdles in first UK season) and end of season romp at Aintree followed up by equally impressive performance in Charlie Hall Chase; Better once again when beating Long Run and The Giant Bolster in style at Haydock, never looking like he was going to be passed; Been off for while but goes well fresh and plenty to give still judged on those two wins; Big chance.

Weird Al: Class act on his day when all comes together (usually best fresh) but not been at his best for a good while and well behind Silviniaco Conti when the two were last seen.

Junior: Outclassed totally in the King George when seventh of nine but much better form before than when landing yet another big handicap to his roster at Newcastle; Needs a slog to be at his best based on all known form.

The Giant Bolster: Big chance on Gold Cup second last year and this track should suit him plenty too, but questions to answer in context of this race given how well beaten he was behind Silviniaco Conti when the two last met (not weighted to turn around form).

Little Josh: Dug deep for Grand Sefton Chase win on heavy ground but needed falling mark to do so then; Always struggling when falling in Argento and more needed.

Mail De Bievre: Very smart form in France, winning Graded chases including Prix Murat by 8 lengths; Off 18 months and hard to fancy despite talent.

VERDICT: There’s a chance that SILVINIACO CONTI might well be caught cold on fitness term but everything else suggest he’s a class ahead of the others here.