Key Highlights
- Edwardstone to compete in the Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton Park on 9th January.
- Paul Nicholls will saddle Kalif Du Berlais, a likely favorite with previous wins in this race.
- Boombawn by Dan Skelton faces tough competition but hopes to prove himself in the Grade Two race.
Edwardstone Preparing for Conti Chase at Kempton Park
Kempton Park is set to host a thrilling race on 9th January as Edwardstone, under the guidance of trainer Alan King, prepares to take on his rivals in the Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase. At 12 years old, Edwardstone is one of the veteran competitors in a field that includes just four runners.
King expressed satisfaction with Edwardstone’s performance, noting that the horse has been in excellent form despite slowing down somewhat: “The old boy seems to still be in very good form and I was very pleased when we stepped him up to two and a half miles in the Peterborough. We’re hopeful he will run well.”
Competing Against Experienced Horses
In the Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase, Edwardstone faces formidable competition from Paul Nicholls’ Kalif Du Berlais. Nicholls has won this race three times in the last decade with Frodon (2020), Master Tommytucker (2021), and Pic d’Orhy (2023). Kalif Du Berlais is favored to win, having impressed at Aintree but underperforming recently.
Nicholls remains optimistic about his chances: “We’re looking forward to getting out there and competing with him because he loves that. It remains to be seen if he can win a conditions race, though.”
Boombawn Hopes for Better Performance
While Edwardstone holds the advantage of experience, Boombawn by Dan Skelton is not without hope. The horse finished fourth in a tough race at Huntingdon and is set to compete in this Grade Two race. Skelton believes that the conditions race offers an opportunity for his horse: “Boombawn runs in a tough race and there are only four runners, but they are all good horses.
We were a bit underwhelming last time out, but things have become hard for him because he’s climbed up the handicap.”
Despite the challenges, Skelton is optimistic about Boombawn’s performance: “We’re trying this conditions race as it’s a smaller field and he has won around the track before. We are looking forward to getting out there and competing with him.”
The Coral Silviniaco Conti Chase on 9th January promises an exciting matchup of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, setting the stage for what is sure to be a captivating race.
