'Outstanding value' - figures guru Sam Walker with a 20-1 tip for the Ryanair
Altior is slowing down, his jumping is sketchy, and at the age of 11 he's a lesser horse than he used to be. The evidence is mounting that he's past his best and trainer Nicky Henderson is now having to fight off retirement talk.
However, the narrative around his imminent demise has become so popular and disproportionate that his status has actually dropped more sharply than his ability. The truth is that, while many have pensioned him off, he is still a top-level racehorse.
Altior may not quite have the speed to win a Champion Chase, but a fifth festival victory is still a distinct possibility and, at 20-1 for the Ryanair Chase, you can get outstanding value on a Cheltenham legend in a race he can win.
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