Altior and Special Tiara lock horns in fascinating Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday

ALTIOR bids to keep his unbeaten record over fences and hand Nicky Henderson the trainers' championship in the Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday.

Last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner has been impressive over fences this season and was last seen storming up the hill to land the Arkle at the Festival.

Henderson said: "Altior has been the star and we always knew he was very good. Whatever happens, we know he is very high class.

"If he wins it will probably seal the championship but it would also be great satisfaction to see a novice go through the season unbeaten.

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"If he can do that then he will be getting a step closer to being in Sprinter Sacre's shoes but he still has some way to go yet."

Henderson also runs Vaniteux, winner of a competitive handicap up at Ayr last week, while title rival Paul Nicholls puts San Benedeto in against the big boys, having been a fortunate winner of a Grade 1 at Aintree.

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Nicholls said: "He's done well. He's won six races this season with a Grade 1.

"He's got it all to do, but you never know. Hopefully he'll be there to pick some crumbs up, with a bit of luck.

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"He deserves to be in that race anyway."

Altior will face his toughest test at Sandown as Champion Chase winner Special Tiara lines up for Henry de Bromhead.

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De Bromhead's chaser won the race back in 2015 when he defeated Henderson's Sprinter Sacre.

De Bromhead said: "He loves it at Sandown. He's had a fantastic season obviously by winning the Champion Chase and now we are trying to get the icing on the cake.

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"Obviously Altior is there and he looks very good but our lad deserves to be there and we think he has every chance.

"He put up a superb performance at Cheltenham and beat Fox Norton. We've all seen what he has gone on to do at Aintree and Punchestown but our lad did everything right on the day.

"It's a real good race despite the small field with San Benedeto and Vaniteux too.

"He's been good since Cheltenham and he seems in good form."