Altior has the Spirit once again at Newbury
Altior bounced back to winning form in the Win Bigger On The Betfair Exchange Chase at Newbury on Saturday.
Nicky Henderson's 10-year-old was winning the Grade Two contest, registered as the Game Spirit, for the third time on his first racecourse appearance since being beaten by Cyrname in November.
That defeat was his first ever over obstacles and it convinced connections to abort a season over longer trips with the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a race he has won the last two years, his only entry at the Cheltenham Festival.
Sceau Royal travelled well on his ideal ground and looked to be going better than the winner before the last, but Altior, as Altior usually does, finished really well to put the race to bed.
He's now set up a fascinating clash at Cheltenham with Defi Du Seuil, winner of the Tingle Creek and Clarence House Chase this season, and Chacun Pour Soi, who won the Dublin Chase in good style last weekend.
Henderson said: "We've had a few hiccups along the way, but we're getting there.
"He was keen early and enjoying himself. He took a blow just before the second-last, but what he really liked was the way he put it to bed - the gears are still there."
Bookmakers trimmed Altior a touch for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Henderson added: "He's only in one race (at Cheltenham), so we don't have to question what we are doing.
"There is improvement to come and he (de Boinville) said he will come on a lot for it. As much as anything it will have done his confidence the world of good.
"It was not nice at Ascot and it took a lot of getting over to be honest with you, and Nico said today would have done him the world of good. His jumping and everything just gained in confidence all the way. It was just a matter of when he pressed the button and let him go and he was good.
"We know what we have got to do between now and then (Cheltenham) just keep the ball rolling. He takes plenty of work, he has had a nice race it has done him the world of good.
"He has been more flamboyant than that, but I'm just tinkering with minor details really.
"There is no doubt we were under pressure today. I've got to say I was fairly confident, but on the other hand you are ready to take what you have to take and that is what racing is all about and you have to face these things when they go wrong.
"It is nice it is done and he goes in there to try to retain his crown."
He went on: "Ascot was a mistake all round and it wasn't his scene. It was just bad luck. He was back on his ground today and has had a lovely time.
"He is a good horse and always has been a very good horse. I think it is lining up to be a very competitive Queen Mother, I really do."
Alan King was pleased with the runner-up, Sceau Royal, and said: "He has run a marvellous race. Unfortunately Altior is just a better horse, but I'm thrilled with him.
"He jumped super and travelled round really well. As long as the ground is good then he will go to Cheltenham for the Queen Mother. I will have to speak to Anthony (Bromely, owners' racing manager), but I'd love to step him up to two and a half miles at Aintree.
"I half-wish I had put him in the Ryanair now!"