Hat-trick-seeking grey can keep Betfair rivals at bay

Christy 1965 Chase

2.05 Ascot

Altior has been exceptional over 2m since his chasing debut over 2m2f. With Betfair and King George Chase entries, his connections don’t seem to have any concerns about this trip. Unbeaten over hurdles and fences – including nine Grade 1 chases – he gave the impression he needs more than 2m nowadays unless something else was bothering him in the latter half of last season. He had been jumping to his left since the start of the New Year and there could be a concern about freshness in a small field without cover.

Beaten 15 lengths in the 2m1f handicap chase on this card last year, has been a revelation since over 2m5f at this venue. He maintained an end-to-end gallop and still quickened from two out to win both starts. His handicap win has worked out well, and while his Grade 1 victims haven’t won, many have run with lots of credit. He is the young buck on the upgrade.