The Lavazza Silver Cup Handicap Chase, formerly known as the Ascot Silver Cup, is a Listed handicap Chase run over 2 miles 7 furlongs and 180 yards at Ascot (Saturday 23 December). It was first run in 1965, and its most famous winner is Cool Dawn who won in 1997, before winning the 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Lavazza Silver Cup Handicap Chase 2017 – 10-Year-Trends
- Winners have carried between 10-0 and 11-6
- Winners were rated between 129 and 152
- Winners have been aged between 5 and 9
- Barry Geraghty has ridden 2 of the last 3 winners
- SP’s have ranged between 3/1 and 33/1
Major Contenders, Form Check & Stats
Singlefarmpayment
Looked booked for third when falling in the Hennessey at the beginning of December, and he looks capable of winning a top-class handicap this season. A slightly longer trip would ideally suit him better though, and has been beaten on both previous visits to Ascot (finished second both times).
Go Conquer
Impressive winner of his first two starts this season off marks of 135 and 142, and his new mark of 151 may not be sufficient to stop him if he turns up. Both those wins were on good ground though, and softer conditions may not play to his strengths.
Beware The Bear
His win at Newcastle last time was even more impressive than it looked, as he won despite the fact a slipping saddle was causing all sorts of problems for his jockey. He’s also 1 from 1 at Ascot, beating Singlefarmpayment by 2¾ lengths (but is 6lb worse off this time).
Gold Present
Looked like he’d appreciate this distance and going right-handed when winning over slightly shorter at Newbury last time, but this is a much tougher race. Second in a bumper on his only previous run at Ascot.
O O Seven
Third possible runner for Nicky Henderson and, though most of his chase wins have come over shorter trips, he could be ready to step up to 3-miles Goes very well right-handed though, and handicapped to go well if seeing out the trip.
Fortunate George
Impressive 16-lengths winner at Ascot when last seen over a shorter trip, staying on in a style that suggested he would have no problem with this longer trip. Not the most consistent animal, and up in class, but could go well off a low-weight.
Master Dee
Excellent profile on soft ground, and beat San Benedeto here on his only previous visit. That horse is now rated in the 150’s, so could be well-handicapped off a mark of 146, and he will be very interesting if his owner relies on him rather than the much shorter-priced Go Conquer.
Our Top Betting Tip & Prediction for the Lavazza Silver Cup Handicap Chase 2017
A potentially fascinating contest, with Singlefarmpayment representing the Hennessey form, and Beware The Beware representing the Rehearsal Chase form. Meanwhile, Fortunate George and Master Dee could both go well. However, it’s O O Seven who catches the eye the most on his first try at this trip on a right-handed course over fences.
2017 Lavazza Silver Cup Handicap Chase Tip: O O Seven