Henderson looking at Game Spirit for Altior

Altior could run in Game Spirit Chase at Newbury as part of his preparations for the Cheltenham Festival, trainer Nicky Henderson has revealed.

The Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner has impressed since making the switch to fences this season, winning all three of his starts, including the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown and the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase at Kempton last month.

He holds an entry in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot but Henderson has confirmed he is almost certain to bypass the January 21 feature with the Game Spirit Chase the following week a possible target for the seven-year-old.

"He won't go to the Clarence House, but there aren't that many opportunities," he told At The Races.

"The Game Spirit attracts me. I'm not trying to compare him with Sprinter Sacre but it was a route we went down with him and Newbury's such a good track I think that's the way we'll go."

Altior is the warm favourite for the Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival but he also has the option of running in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

While he could step outside novice company for his next outing, Henderson admits Douvan would have to be ruled out in order for Altior to run in the Champion Chase.

"That's the only reason you would do it," Henderson explained.

"I wouldn't [take on Douvan]. We were only six when we set out, he's seven now, and he's hopefully, if we don't bok it, got a fair few years of this.

"We've got to go down the conventional route with a young horse like this. I know it's been done before and I do think he's very good but the best way to mind him is to just do the sensible thing.

"This horse has got fantastic gears and he is very talented. He could run in a mile and a half, mile and a quarter maiden on the Flat and that's why I think he's a genuine two mile horse, I can't imagine we'll ever want to go any further.

"One day hopefully… if all goes well in a year's time from now, if Douvan and Altior come through this year unscathed, they will get to meet next year as that really will be something."