There have been a multitude of shock racing results over the Christmas period on the track with the bookmakers filling up their satchels following a host of fancied runners being beaten at short prices.
However, Altior played the exception to the rule once again as the Nicky Henderson-trained superstar breezed to a 19-length victory in the Desert Orchid Chase and duly cemented his place as the red-hot favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Sent off a 1/8 favourite, Altior, who produced a gutsy reappearance to down Un De Sceaux in the Tingle Creek Chase a few weeks ago, was handed a much easier task on Thursday afternoon as he had to beat rivals far inferior.
Nico de Boinville opted to adopt his usual waiting tactics on board the Seven Barrows phenomenon and it was Special Tiara that was sent to the front from the flag fall, as he looked for his third win in the race.
Nevertheless, as the field turned for him it was Altior that cruised to the front of the field and continued to pull further and further clear and with de Boinville just pushing in the unbeaten chaser out to the line he amassed a monster advantage ahead of Diego Du Charmil, who ran a decent race in second.
Already a 1/2 shot before the start of the race, Altior was clipped into 4/9 following his easy win and it's hard to not see him retaining his coveted Grade 1 crown at the Cheltenham Festival in a few months time, as he is the dominant star in the division and is the finest Jumps horse in training.
