Nicholls has Politologue lined up for Melling - but only if Altior stays away

Nicky Henderson expects to make a decision about whether jumping's top performer Altior runs in Aintree's JLT Melling Chase on Sunday – and Paul Nicholls is one of those keen to hear what his training rival says.

On Saturday Henderson stated Cheltenham Gold Cup second Might Bite is now a confirmed starter in Thursday's Betway Bowl.

However, he said discussions still have to take place regarding exceptional two-miler Altior, who could step up to 2m4f in the Melling on Friday or wait two weeks for Sandown's Bet365 Celebration Chase on the season's final day.

Relive Altior's remarkable victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival

Altior is one of 13 horses entered for the Melling Chase, in which other possible runners include Champion Chase second Min – who could instead be kept back for Punchestown – and Balko Des Flos, easy winner of the Ryanair Chase.

Ready to pounce: Altior (left) and Nico de Boinville jump the final fence alongside Min and Paul Townend in the Betway Queen Mother Champion ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Altior is quoted between 4-5 and 5-6 for the Melling, while Politologue – who jumped the final fence of last year's Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree in front only to then stumble on the flat – is a best-priced 8-1 with Paddy Power.

"I think it would be daft to take on Altior if there is an alternative target," said Nicholls, who also has Frodon and Le Prezien in the Melling.

Paul Nicholls feels the Melling Chase could be ideal for PolitologueCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"If Altior looks like he is going to run at Aintree we'll wait for Sandown, but if Altior is kept back for Sandown we'll head to Aintree.

"I would like to run him in the Melling as I think two and a half miles at Aintree would suit him. He was running so well at the track last year until he came down."

What happened there? A shellshocked Sam Twiston-Davies gathers himself off the turf following his freak fall after the last on Politologue in the Maghull Novices' Chase. The race went to the grey's stablemate San BenedetoCredit: Getty Images

The Grand National meeting has the makings of a jamboree festival for Henderson.

His potential Friday squad could also number Terrefort, 3-1 market leader for the Betway Mildmay Novices' Chase, 10-1 Randox Health Topham Chase favourite OO Seven and Cheltenham Festival absentee On The Blind Side, who could return in the Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle.

Henderson's entries for the Top Novices' Hurdle include Apple's Shakira, a disappointment when fourth as the heavily-backed favourite for the Triumph Hurdle.

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