Christy 1965 Chase (Grade 2)

Only three runners but the head-to-head between the big two is mouth watering with ALTIOR putting his unbeaten record over obstacles on the line stepping up to this trip for the first time (2m2f the previous furthest he’s gone). He’s officially rated 1lb lower than Cyrname who returns to the scene of his two stunning C&D victories although he was beaten in the 3.20 on this card last year off a mark of 150 (now rated 176). The trainers of the two main protagonists, Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls have captured this race 10 times between them since 1994; the latter leading 6-4, that balance may well be redressed this time with the Altior taken to maintain his unblemished chasing record.

1. Altior
2. Cyrname
3. Solomon Grey