Super Saturday review: Altior back with a bang, Native River toughs it out and Pic D’orhy springs Betfair Hurdle shock
NICKY Henderson warned the best is yet to come from Altior as the reigning champ showed he would not give up his crown without a fight.
He was out to repair his dented reputation in the Betfair Exchange Chase after a first defeat over jumps at the hands of Cyrname at Ascot in November.
And he produced his trademark surge after the final fence to win going away from old rival Sceau Royal, with Dynamite Dollars running well in third on his reappearance.
Betway trimmed him into 9-4 from 11-4 for next month’s Champion Chase, and Henderson could not hide his delight.
He grinned: “He was keen early and enjoying himself. When Nico said to him ‘put it to bed’ the gears worked very well.
“There is definitely improvement to come, he will come on a lot for the run. It will have done his confidence the world of good.
Don't miss out on all the best of Sun Racing
“It wasn’t very nice at Ascot, the ground was horrible and it took him a while to get over it.
“We know what we have got to do between now and Cheltenham, we’ve just got to keep the ball rolling.
“There is a sense of relief because we were under pressure today, although I’ve got to say I was confident coming here.
“He goes to Cheltenham now to try and retain his crown, though it’s lining up to be a very competitive Queen Mother.”
Former Gold Cup champ Native River (2-5f) also warmed up for the Festival with victory in the Denman Chase.
He was given a confident ride from the front by young Jonjo O’Neill Jr and he stayed on well after the last to win comfortably.
Trainer Colin Tizzard said: “That was a lovely prep for the Gold Cup. Jonjo felt he never really had to get serious with him, he just gave him a couple of flicks and he was away.
“It was quite nerve-wracking. When he won the Gold Cup two years ago he won this first, so we wanted to try and replicate that.”
Meanwhile, the Paul Nicholls-trained Pic D’orhy sprung a 33-1 surprise in the Betfair Hurdle.
The lightly-raced five-year-old cruised through the race under Harry Cobden and quickened up smartly after the last to collar the favourite Ciel De Neige (13-2f).
Nicholls said: “That was the first time he has got a true end to end gallop on decent ground and we saw a big improvement.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect. I always thought he was good, but he has just bounced off that ground. He must be a really high-class horse.”