Cheltenham Festival pointers we learned from the weekend's horse racing action

There was a fantastic weekend of racing that was headlined by Altior losing his unbeaten record in a thrilling battle with Cyrname.

In what could be another changing of the guard Lostintranslation also dethroned Betfair Chase king Bristol De Mai at Haydock.

And Chris's Dream could not have been more impressive in winning the Troytown Chase at Navan on Sunday.

Here is what we learned with a view to the Cheltenham Festival in March:

Altior's Gold Cup dreams seem to be over

Harry Cobden riding Cyrname clear the last to win The Christy 1965 Chase from Altior (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images))

What to do with Altior now? That's the question trainer Nicky Henderson will have to answer after his star horse was beaten for the first time over jumps to Cyrname at Ascot on Saturday.

It was an experiment that if it went right would have naturally led to Altior rocking up in the King George and then potentially having a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Henderson has not ruled out still having a go at the King George but a return to two miles looks more likely.

It means we could be looking at the tantalising prospect of Altior, Defi Du Seuil and Chacun Pour Soi all lining up in the Champion Chase come March - what a race that could be!

Lostintranslation is the real deal

Lostintranslation ridden by Robbie Power (right) goes on to win The Betfair Chase (Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)

We have a new ante-post favourite for the Gold Cup and his name is Lostintranslation.

Colin Tizzard knows a thing or two about training a horse for the big race having guided Native River to glory in 2018.

And he has never hidden his love for Lostintranslation who was most impressive in seeing off Haydock specialist Bristol De Mai on Saturday.

That is top-class form and his novice chase form exploits that are closely linked with Defi Du Seuil look better and better.

We have yet to see reigning champion Al Boum Photo in action this season but we may have already seen the champion in waiting.

Minella Indo looks value for RSA Chase

Rachael Blackmore onboard Minella Indo clears the last on the way to winning at Cheltenham (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

Laurina took all the headlines after getting his chasing career off to an ideal start at Gowran Park.

But trainer Henry De Bromhead was delighted with the efforts of Minella Indo who chased the mare home with the pair well clear of the rest.

Look back on last year's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle and it is remarkable how well Minella Indo saw out the three miles having been so keen throughout.

Once this horse steps up to three miles over fences, there will be few horses able to live with his gallop and 10/1 looks good value for the RSA Chase.

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