The Road to Cheltenham continues this weekend with the Clarence House Chase at Ascot but it isn't going to be a a big field with just four runners entered at the five day stage.
The small field for the Grade 1 chase at the Berkshire track is headed by the brilliant Altior who will be out to continue his remarkable succession of victories which stretches back to 2015.
Widely considered as the best horse in training, the Nicky Henderson trained chaser has already won the Tingle Creek and Desert Orchid Chase this term and looks set to start a red hot favourite this weekend, before heading back to Prestbury Park in March to defend his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown.
Altior could take on old foe Un De Sceaux this weekend with the Willie Mullins trained 11-year-old also in the field at the current stage. The Irish trained star has won the Ascot contest for the last three years but faces a tougher ask this time against a horse who he couldn't handle in the Tingle Creek last month.
Fox Norton, who is returning from over a year off, and Diego Du Charmil are the last two currently entered for the traditional Champion Chase trial and it is fair to say that racing fans are none too happy with the potentially minuscule field.
What’s the point of running the race! I know Altior is pretty much unbeatable but these increasingly small fields for big races is pathetic! - (@cuecardfan)
Altior bossing the Clarence House this weekend will be spectacular! If the rain doesn't come, the field could be even more embarrassing. What chance does UDS have on good ground against a monster? None. - (@withoutequal147)
You can see why the bookies want it turned back into a handicap - (@TeakleAlex
Any chance to see Altior in the flesh should always be cherished but there is no doubt that the Seven Barrows superstar has scared off plenty of potential rivals this weekend and that has been proven by just the four runners at this stage for the Clarence House.
✅Altior
✅Un De Sceaux
✅Diego Du Charmill
✅Fox Norton
