Altior to miss Shloer to wait for Tingle Creek but workmate Brain Power steps in

Cheltenham lost what would have been its November meeting's biggest draw on Monday, when Nicky Henderson ruled out champion two-mile chaser Altior from the Shloer Chase.

The trainer revealed that Altior's work companion Brain Power would stand in for him in Sunday's Grade 2 with high hopes of being a winning substitute.

Sunday's Cheltenham card

Henderson said: "Altior is in terrific form but it's only three weeks before the Tingle Creek and he doesn't really need a race.

"He's ready to run and I could run him, but there's a long way ahead of us. He will be fresh and well for the Tingle Creek."

After a weekend in which Paul Nicholls and Colin Tizzard registered five-timers, the reigning champion still hopes to pick up the Grade 2 prize with Brain Power.

Henderson said: "He and Altior do everything together. He's the only one capable of doing that. He is very good in his own right and is in particularly good form."

The Shloer Chase was reopened until 11am on Tuesday, with eight initial entries received on Monday.

Henderson faces a dilemma with his Elite Hurdle winner Verdana Blue, who has been confirmed along with Charli Parcs for the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, also on Sunday's card.

"Verdana Blue remains a possible but I was under the impression that a penalty would not take her weight above 11st 12lb, but that's not the case in this race unlike the BetVictor," added Henderson.

"She has 11st 11lb with her penalty but if horses come out above her, her weight would go up further into the 12 stones and then I doubt you'll see her."

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