ASCOT DATE FOR ALTIOR
ALTIOR could head to Ascot next month after being ruled out of the 32Red King George VI Chase on Boxing Day.
Nicky Henderson said his two-mile superstar is likely to tackle the Clarence House Chase on January 19.
The Seven Barrows handler took the Champion Chase hero out of next Wednesday’s 32 Red-sponsored Kempton highlight, although he has left him in Thursday’s Desert Orchid Chase.
Henderson tweeted: “We will give him an entry for the @UnibetRacing Desert Orchid Chase the day after, however it is more than likely that he will wait for the Clarence House @ Ascot on 19th January.”
Henderson will rely on last year’s winner Might Bite in the King George. He is one of 11 horses to stand their ground and he remains the favourite despite having something to prove after a disappointing reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Might Bite will renew rivalry with Betfair Chase winner and runner-up Bristol De Mai and Native River.
The latter rounded off last season with a thrilling victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup over Might Bite.
Tizzard will also saddle 2016 King George hero Thistlecrack, who was a promising third at Haydock behind Bristol De Mai.
Paul Nicholls will fire a twin assault at this year’s renewal with Politologue and Clan Des Obeaux.
Mark Bradstock’s 2015 Gold Cup winner Coneygree, last year’s runner-up Double Shuffle, Tea For Two and Ruth Jefferson’s Yorkshire star Waiting Patiently complete the home team.
The only potential Irish raider is Gordon Elliott’s Shattered Love.