ARKLE Trophy favourite Altior is set to head to Kempton at Christmas after recording his first Grade 1 success since his switch to fences with victory in the Racing Post Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown.

Unbeaten in five outings over the smaller obstacles, culminating in a seven-length success from Min in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Nicky Henderson's star was the 2-7 favourite against three useful rivals and backed up his fencing debut success in a two-runner affair at Kempton with aplomb.