PAUL’S IN POL POSITION
Nicholls bullish about champion Politologue
PAUL NICHOLLS believes Saturday’s Clarence House Chase at Ascot is the perfect fit for Politologue before he attempts to defend his crown in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.
Nicholls, seeking a record sixth victory in Saturday’s Grade One, said: “I still think Politologue is the one they have all got to beat in the Queen Mother. He’s in the form of his life.
“We schooled him this morning (Monday) and all is good. He likes the track, and the timing is good.”
Politologue started where he left off last term by winning last month’s Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.The 5-4 shot is expected to be joined by stablemate Duc Des Genievres and will face some star rivals including Waiting Patiently and Defi De Seuil.
Waiting Patiently’s good second behind Frodon in the King George VI Chase at Kempton last month has prompted connections to pay a £5,000 supplementary entry.
Jockeys were lucky to escape serious injury yesterday following a three-horse pile-up in a jumpers’ bumper at Lingfield. Jerry Grath’s mount Vegas Blue clipped the heels of a horse in front and fell, bringing down Lord Howard (Alex Thorne) and Perfect Percy (Jordan Nailor). All three horses were soon back on their feet and although McGrath was taken to hospital for X-rays, the other two riders suffered only bruises.
❒ ASCOT will permanently expand its royal meeting in June with seven-race cards instead of six. Extra races were added to the fixture last year as a result of the late start of the Flat season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.