Altior set for Ascot showdown

Altior is one of eight entries for the Matchbook Clarence House Chase at Ascot this month and could take on Defi Du Seuil.

Altior won the Grade 1 contest last year and is on course to feature in the £150,000 again on January 18, with Nicky Henderson set to drop him in trip after running over 2m 5f in the Christy 1965 Chase in November.

The 10-year-old could be set for a first clash with Tingle Creek Chase winner Defi Du Seuil, who is also among the entries for this month’s contest, having won four of his last five races.

Un De Sceaux, a three-time winner of the Clarence House Chase, Waiting Patiently and Janika finished behind Philip Hobbs’ charge at Sandown and all three are also on course for Ascot.

Paul Nicholls’ pair Capeland and Magic Saint, who finished seventh in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase on New Year’s Day, and Dan Skelton’s Marracudja make up the entries.