Distance undecided but Altior clash would set pulse racing

But Mark Boylan says chasing's brightest star has questions to answer

Douvan will bid to bounce back from an injury picked up at last season's Cheltenham FestivalCredit: Alain Barr (racingpost.com/photos)

Dashingly handsome, devastatingly talented and an utter delight to witness in full flight, Douvan looked utterly untouchable coming into the 2017 Cheltenham Festival but, rightly or wrongly, the air of invincibility surrounding him has been tainted since his disappointing defeat in the Champion Chase just under seven months ago.

Sent off 2-9, Douvan never looked comfortable and his jumping wasn’t of the fluid and efficient variety that made him irresistible to watch. He struggled to pick up under Ruby Walsh, finishing 11 and a half lengths adrift of Special Tiara in seventh.

That Champion Chase defeat was Douvan’s only setback in 14 starts since joining Willie Mullins, but the coming winter for the flying French-bred promises to be make or break for his legacy.

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Published on 5 October 2017inSeries

Last updated 15:02, 8 October 2017

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