Speedy Altior in 'seriously good form' for Tingle Creek comeback

Altior is tearing up the gallops like a five-furlong sprinter at Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows yard as the champion two-mile chaser heads all guns blazing to the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown next month.

The eight-year-old was given his first outing away from his Lambourn yard in a racecourse gallop at Newbury and the three-time Cheltenham Festival winner is all set for his Grade 1 date on December 8.

Henderson, speaking at the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival gallops morning, said: "He's got a bit of a while to go before he runs but he is in seriously good form. He is so fast at home I think I'd rather run him in the King's Stand than the King George!

"I'm happy with him and his work has been excellent. He came for a bit of an away day today, I just wanted him to have a nice time and get his feet on the grass. All being well he will head to the Tingle Creek now."

Henderson has previously floated the possibility of trying the Patricia Pugh-owned Altior over further, with the 32Red-backed King George at Kempton on December 26 one option, but that seems far from likely following an excellent gallop.

He added: "If you see him go at home he is so much quicker than anything else at the place so I just can't see him as a three-miler. He'd get two and a half yes, but I would genuinely rather run him in the King's Stand than go to Kempton."

Buveur D'Air (left) given a fast racecourse gallop by Barry GeraghtyCredit: Michael Steele

Exciting novice chase prospect Santini also dazzled at the Berkshire track and the general 6-1 chance for next year's RSA Chase. He could be set for a debut over fences at Newbury's Winter Carnival next week.

Henderson added: "He has struggled with getting his ground but I think we might come here for a novice chase. He has schooled very well at home.

"There are Grade 2s over two and a half and three miles and they will be tough races. Alternatively, we might find an easier race for him. But he's in good shape and we'll look forward to getting him started."

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