Whittington keen for Saint Calvados to take the fight to Altior in Tingle Creek

Harry Whittington believes the world is at Saint Calvados's feet as the talented five-year-old is poised to take on Altior in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase on December 8.

After finishing fourth behind Footpad in last year's Racing Post Arkle, Saint Calvados reversed the form in Ireland earlier this month and got back on track with a victory in the Poplar Square Chase at Naas.

Although he impressed with that performance, his trainer admits next month's Grade 1 at Sandown will be a step up for his stable star, who is a general 5-1 chance.

"He's taking on potentially one of the greatest horses we've seen, as Altior is right up there on ratings with the best two-mile chasers of all time," said Whittington. "Taking him on as a five-year-old at Sandown is the ultimate test, but we're really looking forward to it.

"The focus on Altior takes a little bit of pressure off of us and we're coming in as a slight underdog, which is always a good thing. We'll have our horse in tip-top shape and hopefully he'll turn up on the day and take the fight to him."

He added: "He's only five years old and has the world at his feet if he keeps improving as he should. He's changing physically all the time and getting stronger. He's still a little bit unfurnished, so it is exciting to see what he can do in the coming seasons."

Saint Calvados and Gavin Sheehan winning the Poplar Square Chase at NaasCredit: Patrick McCann

A 22-length winner of the Kingmaker Novices' Chase last season, Saint Calvados returned to form at Naas under Gavin Sheehan, who will keep the ride next month, and Whittington was most impressed by the professionalism of the performance.

"Saint Calvados put in a really grown-up, polished performance in Ireland," the trainer said. "He went through the race positively compared to last season when he perhaps ran off his nerves a little bit more.

View Saint Calvados's impressive victory at Naas earlier this month

"He has an extraordinarily high cruising speed, so we've had to keep him over two miles for now. He's brilliant on soft ground because of his action and the only concern is going right-handed for the first time at Sandown, but he's so well balanced that we don't see it as a problem."

Whittington, whose last Grade 1 winner Arzal died weeks after winning at Aintree in 2016, is relishing having top talent in his yard and has big hopes for Saint Calvados.

"The Champion Chase is the long-term target, but we'll see how the Tingle Creek goes before setting out the second half of the season," Whittington said.

"We were badly affected when my last Grade 1 winner passed away, so to have one back in the yard so quickly and able to run in the Tingle Creek is fantastic. I've been going to the meeting since I was a kid."

He added: "He's a young progressive horse and, touch wood, has a long career ahead of him. Perhaps he'll be a King George horse one day if he loses his speed for being a bit older."

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