Altior, who heads the ante-post betting for the Arkle Chase at next year’s Cheltenham Festival, made a winning start to life over fences when he saw off Black Corton in the Weatherbys Supports Starlight Novices' Chase at Kempton.
A hugely impressive winner of the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park in March, Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old faced just one rival on his chasing bow, for which he was sent off the 2-13 favourite.
Jockey Noel Fehily enjoyed a smooth spin, bar one minor hiccup at the ninth fence, as his mount cantered clear to win by an official 63 lengths.
What Altior actually achieved may be a matter for debate, but bookmakers took the opportunity to cut his price for the Arkle to a best-price 5-2.
Outlining plans for the winner, Henderson said: "He had a nice little blow and had a school round and he'll go to Sandown on Saturday week for the Henry VIII (Novices' Chase).
"He races with his head low, which is lovely and a great way to go over fences.
"We were debating whether to make him a Champion Hurdle horse. We could if we wanted to, but he's been so good at this.
"He's built like a chaser and I thought he jumped great.
"He had a nice pop round and he jumped really well, getting a run under his belt.
"There are options, but we might as well go to Sandown.
"Noel sat on him on Friday and he jumped 10 fences and he was electric. He's been frighteningly good all the way through.
"He has pure pace and I would not even think about stepping him up in trip.
"I'm pretty sure Charbel is going to Sandown so we'll know we'll get a good pace, which will help him.
"That was a good start and I was happy with it."
