POL VAULTS TO VICTORY
POLITOLOGUE took a step closer to lifting the two-mile chasing crown with a facile victory in the Unibet Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton yesterday.
Admittedly, the Paul Nichollstrained grey, ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies, was presented with an easy task after Special Tiara, last season’s Champion Chase winner, departed at the fifthlast fence, but there was plenty to like about his performance.
Left out on his own in front, the 8-15 favourite idled to a 13-length victory over 25-1 outsider Vaniteux.
“He reminds me a lot of Master Minded, (twice the winner of the Champion Chase),” said Nicholls.
“Whether he will reach that level we will have to see, but he’s going the right way.
“Sam said the minute he’s in front he does not do a tap.”
Politologue remains a 7-2 chance for the Queen Mother Champion Chase with race sponsor Betway, while Altior has shortened to 11-8 from 6-4.
Nicholls added: “He will have a break now and have one more run before Cheltenham in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
“This will give us plenty of time to have him at his very best for Cheltenham.”
Nicky Henderson also has his eye on the Game Spirit Chase for his two-mile star Altior.
“We had snow at home today, so he will be back cantering, after his breathing operation, tomorrow,” said Henderson.
“He was ready to run before we decide to operate on his wind, so he’s nearly there.”
Henderson, on the mark yesterday when Kayf Grace took the in 32 Red Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Nico de Boinville, had news of his Boxing Day heroes – Might Bite and Buveur D’Air.
“Both came out of their races absolutely 100 per cent,” said Henderson. “A plan for Bite is a difficult one.
“You could see him going to Newbury for the Denman Chase in February.
“If not he can go to Kempton or Newbury to gallop before running in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. As for Buveur, there are options at Sandown or Wincanton.”