Peterborough Chase saved – but Henderson opts to wait until Christmas for Altior

Nicky Henderson applauded the BHA and other parties involved for saving the Peterborough Chase from waterlogged Huntingdon and moving it to Cheltenham on Friday, but the champion trainer has not been tempted to enter stable star Altior in the rearranged Grade 2.

Sponsored by bookmakers Fitzdares, the highlight of Huntingdon's season was lost on Sunday due to flooding at the Cambridgeshire track, which was also forced to cancel its flagship race in 2017 when it was moved to Taunton.

The possibility of that happening again at Thursday's meeting in Somerset intrigued Henderson, who floated the idea of Altior being rerouted after withdrawing him from Sandown's Betfair Tingle Creek on Saturday because of the ground.

However, confirmation came on Monday that the Peterborough Chase would take place at Cheltenham on Friday, forming an eight-race card that will begin at 11.30 with the new race – which will be staged at its original 2m4f distance – at 1.50.

ITV4 will now broadcast an extra race from Cheltenham to incorporate the Peterborough Chase, with coverage set to begin at the earlier time of 1pm.

Top Notch: yard favourite will aim for third Peterborough Chase winCredit: Edward Whitaker

Entries are due by noon on Tuesday with declarations at the usual 48-hour stage on Wednesday, but they will not feature the record-breaking gelding.

"Not at Cheltenham over two and a half miles," was Henderson's response when asked about Altior's participation.

"He'll go to Kempton on December 27 for the Desert Orchid Chase."

Cheltenham entries for Friday

The 69-year-old has won four Peterborough Chases since 2013, including the 2017 and 2019 editions with yard favourite Top Notch, who, along with Mister Fisher, formed Henderson's initial team for it.

"Top Notch will definitely run," he went on. "As for Mister Fisher, we'll just have to see. As we've always said he doesn't go in soft ground. He's in that and in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday. I want to run him this weekend big time, but we'll look at the forecast and the conditions and which race suits him best."

Cheltenham: eight races will take place at the track on FridayCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.cpm/photos)

Praising the efforts of those at the centre of the Peterborough Chase's rescue package, Henderson said: "We really appreciate the fact the BHA has saved it. It's an important race and it does clash a bit with the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup on the Saturday, but I think they've done well. Like Huntingdon, Cheltenham is a Jockey Club track, so I can understand why it's there.

"I only thought about Altior because when Top Notch won that rearranged one in 2017 it was at Taunton on nice ground, which it will be for Thursday's fixture there.

"Two-mile-three, which they could have used there, would have pricked my ears regarding Altior, but I do not need to go two and a half miles around Cheltenham with him whatever the ground. Forget about the ground, it's not the right place and we'll stick to the Kempton plan."

The six-time champion trainer could also be represented at Cheltenham this week by exciting novice chaser Chantry House, while the consistent Call Me Lord and classy mare Verdana Blue are engaged in Saturday's Unibet International Hurdle, which Seven Barrows has won for the last three years.

"Chantry House is more likely to run on Saturday over two and a half miles than Friday as I wouldn't want to go three miles yet," he continued. "But there's also a race at Ascot for him next week as well.

"Call Me Lord is in the International and he runs, while if you look at the races Verdana ran on the Flat this year, Royal Ascot and the Ebor, both were on easyish ground, so maybe she's getting away with ground a bit more than she was. I need to talk to everybody, but I have put her in it and I wouldn't rule her out."

International Hurdle
Unibet: 3 Goshen, 4 Sceau Royal, 5 Silver Streak, Ballyandy, 6 Song For Someone, 7 Ch'tibello, 10 Summerville Boy, Call Me Lord, 12 Verdana Blue, 16 Stormy Ireland

More to read:

'Incredibly disappointing' - Peterborough Chase day cancelled after flooding

No regrets: Nicky Henderson defends Altior withdrawal and moots Thursday run

Noel Williams urges BHA to assist with weigh-in procedure after Taunton drama

Emotions run high as Chantry brings the house down at Cheltenham

'A nice performance' - Chantry House and Ferny Hollow off to the perfect start

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