Altior and Bristol De Mai: an expert view on the two horses that define the day

Altior
2.05 Ascot
SP forecast 8-13

Is this a rare opportunity to back a legend of the turf at a reasonable price, or a chance to get him beat? We have almost had three General Elections since Altior last lost a race, at Punchestown in April 2015. He remains unbeaten over obstacles, including the last two Champion Chases. Now he steps up in trip, which should suit on all visual impressions, going right back to his hurdling days.

The case against is twofold. The first concerns Altior himself. Last year he looked more vulnerable than ever before, and on a couple of visits to right-handed tracks he jumped notably left. The second is that his opponent, Cyrname, comes in with a higher rating than any horse Altior has faced before. He also achieved that rating at Ascot, burning off top rivals with his electric jumping. If he is to get Altior, it will be at the fences rather than on the flat.