'We’re taking on a monster': Cyrname out to down Altior in epic clash

2.05 Ascot
Christy 1965 Chase (Grade 2) | 2m5f | 4yo+ | ITV/SSR

Altior looks for 20th consecutive score

You see things differently when you are in the eye of the storm. For while the energy of the hype hurricane is roaring around them, those closest to Altior are trying to remain focused on what could be considered to be the nine-year-old’s most important run since he started over fences.

After all, the small matter of his future is at stake – not to mention an unbeaten record over obstacles that stretches to a record-breaking 19 wins – and that is what has enabled this titanic tussle to take place.

The focus on the race has been intense this week, and trainer Nicky Henderson said on Friday: “I think everybody is looking forward to the race except Paul and I!

“It’s not pressure but it’s a big day in these horses' lives and there’s quite a lot at stake as far as the future’s concerned. It’s going to tell us what we do next, where we go and help point out our seasons.”

Altior and Robin Land head to the Seven Barrows indoor schoolCredit: Edward Whitaker

Altior has conquered everything thrown at him over the last four seasons with victories in illustrious contests such as the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle, Tingle Creek, Clarence House Chase, Celebration Chase and Queen Mother Champion Chase among others.

All those races have been at, or around, the minimum trip of two miles and in them he has been utterly dominant, only ever looking vulnerable for a split second before his famous overdrive kicked in as he motored away from the mere mortals in opposition.

But there has increasingly been a niggling feeling among Altior’s connections that he wants more and to be given the chance to impose his brilliance on a new group of horses over a greater distance than in which he has ruled so forcefully.

As such, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase over three miles on Boxing Day has been selected as the ultimate destination, but first he must come through this intermediate test.

If he does, Altior will follow his Christmas star to Kempton where he will be greeted by hugely expectant crowds. If not, well, that is not being thought about too prominently right now.

Indeed, despite musing this week that Patricia Pugh’s superstar perhaps still showed too much speed to convince as a stayer, Henderson is committed to finding out what reserves of stamina Altior possesses.

“I still say the way he works he doesn't look like he's going to stay,” he said. “He has such speed, so I hope his jumping helps him relax because when he goes into attack mode that'll be it."

Nico de Boinville will be charged with keeping a lid on his old ally over the 2m5f trip at Ascot, a task that could be made trickier by just having two rivals in opposition. However, Henderson trusts that his rider will have things under control.

“I’m sure Nico knows what he’s going to do and hopefully it won’t prove too tactical,” Henderson said. “The horse is in super form and we’re ready to go with him.”

Pros An absolute superstar. Unbeaten over obstacles and has won 19 races in a row
Cons All his form is at or around 2m. He is stepping up in trip and his trainer is unsure he will stay

Cyrname bids to beat the best

If one of the big two had to be considered the underdog on Saturday then Cyrname would have to be that horse – hardly an unfair assertion when taking on a jumps colossus such as Altior.

But then it is not quite as simple as that, is it? Ascot is Cyrname’s back yard and the course at which he produced that jaw-dropping performance to annihilate Waiting Patiently, Fox Norton and Politologue by upwards of 17 lengths, in the process earning him the spot as the highest-rated chaser in training last season.

That performance came over Saturday’s trip of 2m5f, as did his previous victory when he routed a field of handicappers by 21 lengths. Something that Altior has got to prove with all his brilliant scores coming over trips at least half a mile shorter.

Such performances from a young horse in the hands of the champion trainer is what makes the showdown between Cyrname and Altior such an intriguing and enticing one. It is also what makes it one that many are finding too close to call.

Cyrname: takes on Altior in the Christy 1965 ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

There is no doubt that the head-to-head has got the blood pumping through Paul Nicholls’ veins faster the usual as the week has gone on, and the trainer said on Friday: “It’s been great fun getting him ready to take on Altior and my view is to let the horses do the talking. Hopefully after the second-last it’ll be some race.

“It’s good for racing to get two horses like this to be able to take each other on in a race, rather than dodging each other all the time.”

Cyrname has certainly done his talking on the track with those two wide-margin Ascot wins and, like Altior, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26 is what connections have their ultimate focus on after Saturday’s contest.

Yet, despite having one eye on the future with Johnny and Samantha de la Hey’s seven-year-old, Nicholls has ensured Cyrname is suitably well prepared to take on one of jump racing’s biggest stars in Altior.

“It’s a big clash and we’re taking on a monster of a horse who has won all his races over jumps, but it’s also our start to the season and our route to the King George,” Nicholls said.

Cyrname and connections are hopeful of beating the prolific AltiorCredit: Edward Whitaker

“We’ve been effective around Ascot, he’s won over 2m5f and we’re going to Kempton with him as well. He should stay well. This is a great stepping stone for Kempton, which is clearly how Nicky is thinking. It’s not all about this race and it’s the same with Nicky, as he has his eyes on the future.

“It’s still a fascinating clash and both horses are going to be there to run well, even though they have bigger targets down the road."

ProsProven over course and distance, including when posting a career-best performance

Cons Two standout performances came in the space of a month last season. Needs to reproduce or improve on those efforts

Skelton happy to be third-best with Solomon

Dan Skelton is not expecting to spoil the party with Solomon Grey and is using Saturday’s contest entirely for the benefit of his seven-year-old.

While there is always an outside chance something unexpected could happen, Skelton admits they are likely to be taking part in a separate race while Solomon Grey does what he needs to do.

Solomon Grey (left): big outsider in the fieldCredit: Edward Whitaker

The trainer said: “I wanted to run him in a small field because we tried to make the running at Wincanton and he had a hard enough race.

“We're on a bit of a rebuild mission and this will be ideal because the other two will be out of the way and we're there being third-best.”

At least the best part of £7,500 up for grabs for just getting round and Skelton looks to have found a perfect spot to achieve his aims for Solomon Grey, while getting a little back for the owners in the process.

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