Exciting clashes at Ascot, between Altior and Cyrname in the Christy 1965 Chase, and at Haydock, between Bristol De Mai and Lostintranslation (not forgetting Frodon) in the Betfair Chase, most certainly take centre stage on Saturday.

At Ascot, Altior bids to extend his unbeaten sequence of 19 victories over jumps at a longer trip which should suit him well, but there must be a small concern about his jumping as he showed a tendency to go left handed (markedly so on this course in January) on his final three starts last season.

Still, it is surprising that this hugely talented horse is rated 1lb below Cyrname, who recorded two fine front-running performances over the course and distance, latterly when slamming Waiting Patiently by 17 lengths in the Grade One Betfair Ascot Chase.

On overall past exploits, Altior will be hard to beat providing he jumps straight.