King George unlikely for Altior

Trainer Nicky Henderson says Altior is unlikely to contest the King George at Kempton and will next be seen in the Tingle Creek.

Henderson reports Altior to be in fine form ahead of next month's Tingle Creek at Sandown.

The trainer has previously suggested the Boxing Day showpiece at Kempton could be a target for Altior, but he has now admitted he isn't looking to send the eight-year-old to the King George this year.

“He's got a bit of a while to go before he runs but he is in seriously good form,” he told the Racing Post. “He is so fast at home I think I'd rather run him in the King's Stand than the King George!

“I'm happy with him and his work has been excellent. He came for a bit of an away day today [in a racecourse gallop at Newbury], I just wanted him to have a nice time and get his feet on the grass. All being well he will head to the Tingle Creek now.”

He added: “If you see him go at home he is so much quicker than anything else at the place so I just can't see him as a three-miler. He'd get two and a half yes, but I would genuinely rather run him in the King's Stand than go to Kempton.”