Nicholls keen to see rain for Conti

Paul Nicholls reports Silviniaco Conti to be bouncing ahead of the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day but is hoping for suitably soft ground at the Sunbury venue over Christmas.

The 11-4 favourite with the sponsors for the three-mile feature has thrived since reclaiming the Betfair Chase last month, according to the champion trainer.

And he is confident that he can defend his title after beating Cue Card by three-and-a-half lengths in the same race last season, providing the rain arrives.