CHASE ON FOR ALTIOR
ALTIOR is thriving after his hugely impressive comeback win in Saturday’s Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
Nicky Henderson’s star slammed the classy Politologue on his long-delayed seasonal debut and is well on track for next month’s Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
STAR ARCHER (6.10) can hit the target in the Betway Casino Handicap at Wolverhampton.
Hugo Palmer’s gelding was a fair sixth in Listed company at Newmarket in October 2016 and bolted up on his comeback over today’s course and distance recently.
The four-year-old benefited from a first-time hood that day and can continue his revival with further improvement expected.
DUBAWI FIFTY (6.40) can continue his excellent run of form in the two-miler.
Admirably consistent, Karen McLintock’s gelding recorded another career best when scoring over 1m 4f at Newcastle and can improve again up in trip.
Shaun Harris’s ROY ’S LEGACY (7.40) is the call in a competitive sprint. The nine-year-old has a decent record at the Dunstall venue and really caught the eye when second behind La Fortuna at Chelmsford last time.
ROCK ICON (8.10) can call the tune for Jo Hughes in the Sunbets Handicap.
A winner here last month, the gelding improved again when second in a strong event at Lingfield next time and is ready for this rise in class. Side with David Loughnane’s CRITICAL THINKING (8.40) in the lucky last.
The gelding hasn’t won for a while but is useful on his day and shaped like his turn was near when third over course and distance last week.
■ Finian’s Oscar has undergone a wind operation after a string of lacklustre efforts this season.
Colin Tizzard’s gelding has recovered well and the handler is confident he will be fit in time for next month’s Cheltenham Festival. Meanwhile, Tizzard’s Native River is in good shape after his easy comeback win in the Denman Chase at Newbury and is primed for the Gold Cup.
■ Bristol De Mai could still take his chance in the Gold Cup. There’s no reason for his flop at the venue last month but Nigel Twiston-Davies believes he can redeem himself in the showpiece.
■ Barters Hill could swerve the Stayers’ Hurdle after Saturday’s poor comeback at Newbury. Trainer Ben Pauling is now eyeing a slight drop in class.