Paul Nicholls would relish a clash between Altior and Cyrname from the Christy 1965 Chase at Ascot at November.
The Nicholls-trained Cyrname finished last season because the highest-rated horse at Britain following his 17-length demolition project in the Ascot Chase in February, together along with his mark 176 placing him 1lb apparent of Nicky Henderson’s dual Champion Chase hero Altior, who is unbeaten in 19 starts over jumps.
Henderson has increased the possibility of Altior being stepped up in trip that term – using a tilt at the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day a target – and Cyrname can also be jump for the showpiece over three miles.
The pair could lock horns at a two-mile-five-furlong Grade 2 at Ascot.
Nicholls told Sky Sports Racing:»One has got form more than two (miles) in Altior and this particular horse has form within two-five. Should they meet in Ascot It’ll be some clash.
«He (Cyrname) doesn’t have to run in the front, but it suits him . Kempton can be a track if you jump and gallop and he’s better right-handed.
«He’s a high heeled horse who will hopefully keep going forward, (but) he’s to have three miles nonetheless. It’s a bit like Altior – it is great having the ability to gallop and receive two-mile-five and he (Cyrname) suggested at Ascot he will have , but until they actually do it don’t know for sure.»
Altior is your general favourite with Cyrname, for the King George along with his stablemate Clan Des Obeaux – winner of this Boxing Day highlight last year – next in the list in 6-1.