bet365 Celebration Chase (Grade 1)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 3m 47.80s

Altior⁴⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 168

30/100

Continued his rise towards the very top by taking the Arkle at Cheltenham on his latest start, although perhaps not with his usual fluency and elan that has been evident in all his starts over fences so far. Still a joy to watch, and as long as he's over those exertions, takes the beating here.

Form: 1-11111

San Benedeto^p,t²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 155

20/1

Has become a very likeable and reliable individual over fences this year, and continued his progression with victory in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices Chase at Aintree last time. Plenty to find at the weights today but this tough sort will give it his best shot.

Form: U31111

Special Tiara⁴⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: N D Fehily| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 165

4/1

Took advantage of the misfortunes of others to land the Champion Chase last time out, which no-one could begrudge him after being such a good servant to his yard over the seasons. Won this two years ago and likes the track, but if Altior is back to his best, has a bit on his plate to beat him.

Form: 3-63151

Vaniteux^p⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Aidan Coleman| T: N J Henderson| OR: 158

12/1

Has been a frustrating sort over the years, often having the ability but perhaps not the willing, but came good at Aintree in first time cheekpieces (retained here) , pulling right away in the closing stages, and now they have found the key, may have more to offer.

Form: 3-33181

Forecasts

Altior (30/100), Special Tiara (4/1), Vaniteux (12/1), San Benedeto (20/1)

It's been a thrill to watch ALTIOR this season as he's progressed, and at times his jumping, for a novice, has been breathtaking. He wasn't at his best when winning the Arkle but win it he did, and in the battle for the trainer's championship, can strike a blow for Nicky Henderson. Special Tiara caused a minor surprise when taking the Champion Chase but he's danced all the big dances and deserved a big one. He can prove the main challenge. Neither of the other pair are taken lightly either, and may not be as far away the odds suggest.