Altior poised for big showdown at Ascot with Un De Sceaux

ALTIOR will face a maximum of eight rivals if taking up his entry in the Matchbook Clarence House Chase at Ascot on January 19. Nicky Henderson’s superstar extended his unbeaten record over fences to 11 in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last week. The nine-year-old will undoubtedly be a red-hot favourite if turning up in Berkshire later this month, and could renew rivalry with the Willie Mullinstrained Un De Sceaux, who has won this race in each of the last three seasons and at least gave Henderson’s charge something to think about when they clashed in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last month. Ruth Jefferson could run Waiting Patiently following his early exit in the King George at Kempton, while Paul Nicholls’ Politologue could also drop back in trip after seemingly having his stamina limitations exposed in the St Stephen’s Day showpiece.

ALAN KING plans to send Sceau Royal straight to the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase — but he will run only if his favoured good ground prevails. After a winning return to action at Cheltenham in November, the Grade One winner trailed home last behind Altior in the Tingle Creek at Sandown on his most recent start. ‘You won’t see Sceau Royal until March when he will go straight to Cheltenham, if the ground is good,’ said King. ‘If not, he will probably go to Aintree and then on to Sandown for the Celebration Chase. ‘He will not run on soft ground at the top level like it was in the Tingle Creek, because he is not as competitive on it.’

PAUL and Clare Rooney were back in the winner’s enclosure at Ayr yesterday with the Nicky Richard strained Glittering Love, little over 24 hours after reports emerged suggesting the leading owners have instructed their trainers not to enter any horses at Cheltenham due to safety concerns.