Altior
27th December 2016 – Kempton – He may have a fair bit to find to prove he can be mentioned in the same breath as Thistlecrack and Douvan; nevertheless, this was another step along that path. He is a very worthy favourite for the Arkle and the race is his to lose. That is not to say that either Min or Yorkhill will not give him a race; however, if he jumps round error free on the day he will surely be more than good enough to take the Arkle. The major risk to his claims is now getting him there in one piece. A literal comparison with his full race time with that of Special Tiarra would have Altior a length or so behind Special Tiarra whilst conceding 8lbs. Obviously Altior was hard held at the line whereas Special Tiara was all out.
