Henderson wary of Ascot trip for star chaser Altior
Nicky Henderson expects the results of the Christy 1965 Chase to go a long way to determining what the future holds for Altior since he prepares for a clash with Cyrname.
Unbeaten at 19 starts over jumps, and Altiors standing as a superstar of this game has been procured, however on Saturday at Ascot he faces his toughest assignment.
Having won the Supreme Novices Hurdle, the Arkle, the Tingle Creek and a couple of Queen Mother Champion Chases, connections have determined that the time is right to step beyond two kilometers into the evaluation and unknown Altior.
This weekends two-mile-five-furlong Grade 2 is viewed as the to an expected tilt in the King George VI Chase – but Henderson has stressed all future plans hinge on how Altior plays in Berkshire.
Stamina is going to be the situation. Nico (p Boinville) has consistently thought he had been rushing at the conclusion of last season as though he wanted the next half a mile, and on Saturday he will get another five furlongs, said that the Seven Barrows handler.
It will test his stamina, Im sure. He doesnt work as a stayer, but Nico is adamant he needs it, so lets hope he is correct.
Weve got to give it a try and were starting over two-miles-five, which I expect will lead us to 3 miles. Goodness knows exactly what happens if it does not, as weve left the Tingle Creek behind.
What I need to do is win, but it ought to be persuasive, too. He wants to prove he gallop away and can do this. Itll tell us where we are going and what to do, theres no doubt about this.
We will have to find out what happens daily. Well take it on the chin if it goes the incorrect way – that he has to get beaten one day and this time we are putting him to the test.
After Henderson first recognized Ascot since Altiors likely starting point, he probably hoped his existence would frighten off the resistance.
However he faces some significant rival, with his demolition of Waiting Patiently in the Ascot Chase over this route and distance of February ensuring that he finished last year as the highest-rated chaser of Britain – a pound clear of Altior.
Henderson explained:Theyre constantly coming here and are we. I really dont believe either people there is nowhere else to move and are shirkers of conflicts.
I really dont need to await the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon (December 8) as its getting quite close to Kempton. That race might not have told you a good deal. It may have been an easier option, however, we are not searching for this.
Although it was not enough to prevent him sauntering to success in the Clarence House Chase many of his fences, Altior jumped left on his last trip to Ascot at January.
Henderson added:He did it (jumped left) in Ascot when he had been on his own. Nico would probably be alert to the truth that he did it there before, although I really dont expect him to do that back.
I really dont see it being a problem. Nobody can forecast whats going to occur, but we will be watching carefully when he turns out that hill.
Whatever happens, Henderson has hinted his charge move in Prestbury Park in March for Cheltenham Gold Cup glory or will bid to get a Champion Chase hat-trick, rather than run over an intermediate space in the Ryanair.
He explained:Saturday is not going to tell us whos about to do exactly what at Cheltenham. I am going to have pound to a brick that they (Altior and Cyrname) will not be meeting every other at the Ryanair Chase.
As much as the Ryanair is a terrific race, I would rather come back to two (kilometers ) if that is a necessity.
Nicholls isnt one to shy away from a challenge and is currently looking forward to seeing his powers are tested by Cyrname against Altior, to get a course which brings out the very finest in his charge.
He explained:Obviously were looking ahead. It is the start of a new season for him and it didnt matter what was going to run against him, we were constantly going to operate here.
Its a nice place to start the season, but its not all about Saturday, there is a lengthy season with great races along the way.
We are looking forward to this, however, and the fact it is at Ascot must be in his favour. Hes been so impressive that there the last twice – that is the reason why were going back
The only other runner is Dan Skeltons Solomon Grey.