SILVINIACO CONTI, winner of the Charlie Hall Chase two years ago, can turn back the clock at Wetherby this afternoon and complete a notable double in the first major test of the season for high-class performers over the major obstacles.

Trained by Paul Nicholls,  Silviniaco Conti was a clear-cut winner of this race in 2102. He was not in the line-up for the bet365.com showpiece last season, but makes a welcome return today able to boast an impressive profile and a lofty handicap mark of 172, which speaks volumes for the heights he has climbed as a chaser.

Last season, he not only won the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day and the Betfred Bowl at Aintree but also finished a close-up fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup after looking the most likely winner at the final fence.

Although some of Nicholls’ horses have looked in need of the outing on their comebacks this season, Silviniaco Conti has a good record fresh and he is fancied to have the measure of Jonjo O’Neill’s Taquin Du Seuil, who has had the bonus of a preparatory outing. Only seven face the starter for this £100,000 Grade 2 contest, but it is a race not to be missed by National Hunt enthusiasts.

Whatever the fate of Tony McCoy aboard Taquin Du Seuil, the record-breaking champion jockey looks poised to enjoy a productive afternoon.

He rides At Fishers Cross in the Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle and this classy gelding should be too good for his two rivals - both rated markedly inferior - in a disappointing turnout for such a prestigious race.

Although he failed to win last season, after taking all before him as a novice during the previous campaign, At Fishers Cross ran some excellent races, notably when second at Aintree and third at Cheltenham in Grade 1 affairs. This looks a super opportunity for him to get back on the winning trail.

Significantly, McCoy has been booked by John Quinn to ride Aurore d’Estruval in the OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle.

The four-year-old is highly-rated by her Norton trainer, who bought her out of France last season. She was a winner on this course before finishing second in the Victor Ludorum Hurdle and fifth in a Grade 1 race at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.

Quinn won this Listed event 12 months ago with Cockney Sparrow and Aurore d’Estruval is napped to provide him with a repeat victory.

McCoy can enjoy another success on the useful Doing Fine, a Ffos Las winner last time out, in the bet365.com Novices’ Chase.

Malcolm Jefferson has good prospects of enjoying a lucrative time of things at Wetherby.

The North Yorkshire trainer saddles Pair Of Jacks in the bet365.com Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

A Sedgefield winner over hurdles last month, Pair Of Jacks has always promised to be an even better horse over fences. He is entitled to make a bold bid under Brian Hughes.

Secrete Stream represents Jefferson and Hughes in the Racing UK 1 Price 3 Devices Handicap Hurdle.

Although a beaten favourite on his reappearance on this course a couple of weeks ago, he finished fifth in a hot handicap over two miles which seemed to catch him out for speed.

The step up to two and a half miles will be of benefit to him today and, with a race also under his belt, he is expected to bounce back to winning form.

At Newmarket’s final meeting of 2014, Paul Hanagan can clinch Listed honours aboard the smart Mutakayyef in the AGMA Holdings James Seymour Stakes.

A horse who was progressing well in the first half of the season, William Haggas’ colt was off the course from June until narrowly beaten by Berkshire on his comeback in a Group 3 race at Ascot a couple of weeks ago.
 

Selections

Wetherby today
12.55 Dr Irv, 1.30 Pair Of Jacks, 2.05 Aurore d’Estruval (NAP), 2.40 At Fishers Cross, 3.15 Silviniaco Conti, 3.50 Secrete Stream, 4.20 Doing Fine.

Newmarket today
12.20 Saraha, 12.50 Dark Wave, 1.25 Sagaciously, 2.00 Donncha, 2.35 Mutakayyef, 3.10 Bronze Angel, 3.45 Chiswick Bey, 4.15 Personal Touch.

Today’s other meetings
Ascot and Ayr.

Tomorrow’s meetings
Carlisle and Huntingdon.