Nicky Henderson confirms that Altior is to run in Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton

The trainer told his Unibet blog that the King George was considered but the team have opted for the Grade 2 the following day.

The master trainer told his blog: "As well as our runners on Boxing Day we’ll have plenty on the 27th, including Altior who will definitely take his chance in the Unibet Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.

"We considered the King George but that is over 3m and I didn’t want to run him over that distance so soon after the Tingle Creek.

"But two miles and 18 days later is absolutely fine and he has come out of Sandown in great form, so we might as well get him out again."

The full declarations for the race will come out on Boxing Day.

There are currently only six others entered. They are God's Own, Diego Du Charmil, Diakali, Ordinary World, Special Tiara and Speredek.

With the Altior news looming it's unlikely many will declare come Boxing Day.

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