King George absentee Altior still on course for Kempton and Desert Orchid test

Altior is missing the King George but the quadruple Cheltenham Festival hero is still poised to make a Christmas appearance at Kempton after Nicky Henderson expressed his desire to target Friday's Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase.

The dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner features among eight horses entered to run in the Grade 2 prize, which has been selected by Altior's connections over the Ladbrokes-backed King George VI Chase, for which he was being aimed until his extraordinary 19-race winning streak was brought to an end by Cyrname last month.

Altior has finished out on his own in three outings at Kempton, where he returns for the Desert Orchid ChaseCredit: Mark Cranham

Henderson revealed last Saturday that Altior had failed to completely sparkle at home since the Ascot race and cited that as the reason Patricia Pugh's superstar would not face three miles for the first time on Boxing Day.

However, the nine-year-old could take in the less exhausting test of the £100,000 Desert Orchid Chase, in which he would be seeking to repeat his success of 12 months ago against opponents that could include last season's Racing Post Arkle winner Duc Des Genievres.

Henderson said: "I want to talk with Pat in the morning about it but the intention is to run. He has definitely come on since last week and we've schooled him as well."

Asked if running in the Desert Orchid was an indication Altior will stay at two miles and be targeted at the Champion Chase, Henderson added: "I don't think you want to read too much into it. He needs to get his confidence back after the last race, so I didn't think a hard race over three miles, which is what you would get in the King George, was the right thing for him."

Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase entries

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