Altior is now joint favourite with most firms for Champion Chase
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Altior got back to winning ways in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury and his season is now firmly back on track.
He was sent off at 1/3 for the race with plenty of late money coming in for Nicky Henderson’s ten-year-old.
Bookmakers were impressed with his effort too, being cut into as short as 15/8 for the Champion Chase from 5/2 before the race.
However, one firm are a stand out 5/2, not moving on his price.
As the superstar came round the bend on the run in he hit a flat spot and there looked to be a real chance he was in trouble.
However, he put the race to bed quickly with the turn of foot we all know he has and enhanced his claims to win a third Champion Chase.
He did just enough to win the race, which is what he has tended to do in recent years. He jumped much better than last time out at Ascot and that must have been very pleasing for Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville.
The Champion Chase is shaping up to be the race of the Festival and Altior will not let go off his crown easily.
Defi Du Seuil (2/1) is the main challenger according to the betting, having not put a foot wrong so far this season.
Chacun Pour Soi is next in the market at 3/1. He put in a great round of jumping in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown last weekend to put himself right in contention after a disappointing seasonal reappearance.
If all three are at their best then it could be a race for the ages, with all of them boasting fantastic claims.
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