Awesome Altior out to make it lucky 13
ALTIOR bids to make it 13 wins from 13 races over obstacles and it doesn’t look like anything in this field can stop him.
Won his first six chases after five wins over hurdles and not even wind surgery and a 287-day layoff has managed to slow his progress.
Showed he is still on an upward curve when landing his Cheltenham ‘prep’ race at Newbury with contemptuous ease from the useful Politologue (reopposes today). Only fly in the ointment for those intending to get stuck into the favourite is that he was found to be lame on Monday.
However, trainer Nicky Henderson, leading handler at the Festival, is convinced he is over that slight problem and wouldn’t be running him unless he thought he was fit enough to do himself justice.
Douvan’s owner Rich Ricci had suggested that his horse might sidestep this for a tilt at the Ryanair, but that idea was shelved less than 24 hours later and he is likely to be the biggest threat to the selection.
Had racked up 13 straight wins for trainer Willie Mullins after coming over from France before injuring his pelvis at Cheltenham last season.
He was twice a winner at the Festival prior to that, landing the Supreme Novices (2015) and the Arkle (2016).
Has reportedly worked very well in in the build-up to the big meeting, but the acid test comes on the track this afternoon.
However, Mullins is no stranger to producing horses fit and ready to run after such long absences and it wouldn’t be a big surprise if he pulled another rabbit out of the hat.
Mullins’ other runner, Min, has a sporting chance of upsetting Altior.
Showed his true colours when landing a Grade Two in impressive style at Leopardstown last time and should give Paul Townend a great spin.