Harry Whittington not running scared of Altior and eyes up Tingle Creek showdown with star Saint Calvados

HARRY WHITTINGTON won't be running away from taking on the mighty Altior in the Tingle Creek.

The trainer has eyed up a shot at the Sandown chase with up and coming stable star Saint Calvados.

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The five-year-old stole the show at Naas on Saturday when making all the running in the Poplar Square Chase as hot favourite Footpad came down at the final fence when under pressure.

Whittington was praised for taking on the Arkle winner in his own backyard and the decision paid off.

Now, Whittington has champion two-miler Altior in his sights in what should be an early Christmas cracker.

Of Altior, Whittington told At The Races: "He's one of my equine heroes - he's just an unbelievable horse.

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"From now until the Tingle Creek is not a huge amount of time. We didn't want to go to Cheltenham at the weekend (for the Shloer Chase), with the Arkle not having gone to plan.

"To get back on track we thought a smaller field like this, first-second season novices, looked ideal conditions.

"Saint Calvados is a smart horse. I think he's proved that and has probably quietened the doubters now.

"He has definitely strengthened up a huge amount physically, and some of his work has been more improved this autumn.

"He's more the finished article, more relaxed, more professional."

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Whittington was optimistic en route to Naas.

He added: "He's just been thriving and looking amazing.

"We felt he would come back and give Footpad something to think about, and he's done that.

"There was an element maybe Footpad was not at his best. (But) our performance was very polished and controlled, and he was more relaxed in front.

"The one (fence) where Footpad made the mistake, actually Calvados put in a short one - and he was so quick and clever it might have put a bit more pressure on.

"He may have just forced the error. But at the end of the day we're thrilled it went well - and all roads lead to the Tingle Creek."