Conti second on return at Kempton Dual King George hero Silviniaco Conti had to make do with an honourable second on his return to action in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle at Kempton. The Paul Nicholls-trained nine-year-old was making his first appearance since an impressive victory at Aintree in April and his first start over the smaller obstacles since February 2011. Noel Fehily positioned the six-times Grade One scorer close to the speed throughout, but he had no answer when 11-8 favourite Brother Tedd showed a smart change of gear to quicken to the lead early in the home straight. Silviniaco Conti stuck to his task well from the final flight to hold on to the runner-up spot from Low Key, but Brother Tedd was good value for the four-length winning margin. Nicholls said: "Noel Fehily was thrilled with him and that's just what we wanted. "He'll come on a lot for that, under the circumstances." Silviniaco Conti remains a general 6-4 favourite for the Betfair Chase at Haydock on November 21 - a race he has won twice in the past. Nicholls said: "He had a really good blow and Noel said he felt as good as ever. "If you'd backed off him now he'd get too heavy. "He'll be cantering by Wednesday and then building up to Haydock." Brother Tedd, who is trained by Philip Hobbs and was ridden by Richard Johnson, has been introduced at 25/1 with Paddy Power for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Powers are unchanged at 6/4 about Silviniaco Conti for the Betfair Chase at Haydock later this month.
