Altior could step up

NICKY HENDERSON has entered Altior and Buveur D'Air in the 32Red.com Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton on Tuesday.

The former is ante-post favourite for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival and has made a seamless transition to fences this winter, having won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Altior does, though, also hold an entry in the 32Red Desert Orchid Chase on the same card.

Grade One-winning stablemate Buveur D'Air, who was third in the Supreme, similarly looked the part on his chasing debut at Haydock last weekend.

Henry de Bromhead could send a strong squad across from Ireland for the Grade Two over two miles.

De Bromhead has in contention Some Plan, Three Stars and Ordinary World - though all three horses also have engagements at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Colla Pier, trained and owned by David Peter Dunne, might run for Ireland, too.

Marracudja is a leading home contender for Paul Nicholls, but like Altior is in the Desert Orchid.

Solatentif, Zigger Zagger, Mrsrobin and Stephanie Frances are others in the hat.

Sir Valentino will attempt to bounce back to winning ways when he takes a drop in class in the Desert Orchid Chase.

Having claimed the Haldon Gold Cup on his penultimate start, the Tom George-trained seven-year-old was only beaten just over five lengths when upped to Grade One company for the first time in the Tingle Creek at Sandown earlier this month.

George said: "He is a very tough horse and is in great form and he will now head to the Desert Orchid at Kempton.

"He will love the better ground."

Sir Valentino is one of nine entries that have been received for the Grade Two contest over two miles.

Nicky Henderson has entered Altior and Vaniteux entered.

The Seven Barrows handler won the race 12 months ago with Sprinter Sacre.

The Gary Moore-trained Sire De Grugy, runner up in last year's renewal, could bid to go one better and add to his 2013 victory, while the Henry de Bromhead-trained Special Tiara, winner of the race in 2014, is the sole Irish entry.

The list is completed by Garde La Victoire (Philip Hobbs), Marracudja (Paul Nicholls), Savello (Dan Skelton) and Ultragold (Colin Tizzard).