IT might seem a bit strange to be criticising a horse’s jumping when he’s hardly ever made a mistake in 16 races and 15 wins over fences. But champion chaser Altior’s jumping has come under more scrutiny this season. “Spending too much time in the air,” is the criticism. Two years ago it was something he was praised for.

But on close inspection, it seems more that Altior is just a very careful jumper. When he gets in tight, he seems to go up in the air like a show jumper, compared to many horses who get in close and brush through the top of fences.

We don’t know how much getting a bit low can also take out of a horse in terms of energy, if it causes a small error. Having to make a bigger effort to jump that bit higher may take more out of a horse on softer ground so conditions at the Festival may be crucial but I’m not convinced that, on good ground, there’s anything to worry about in terms of Altior’s jumping.

He’s the reigning champion and has stood the test of jumping at speed in many races. The Champion Chase is a better race for repeat and older winners than the Gold Cup. Chacun has the time figure and current rating but I’m not going to desert the champion just yet.