Politologue to stress his class at Ascot

Politologue can cement his position as Britain’s best two-mile chaser with victory in the Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase at Ascot tomorrow.

Despite the 10-year-old being the reigning champion chaser,hisprofiledoesnotcurrently match the likes of Altior – but he nevertheless remains the one to beat in this Grade One feature.

Politologue did not really shine in his first couple of starts last term, finishing behind the reopposing Defi Du Seuil in both the Shloer and Tingle Creek Chases. However,comethespring,heshowed his Festival rivals a clean pair of heels.

As Defi Du Seuil failed to fire,Politologueendedalosing run of more than a year, jumping for fun up front and powering up the Cheltenham hill for a nine-and-a-half-length verdict.

Politologue then doubled down on his seasonal bow, again making all for an effortlessTingleCreekverdictwhich has propelled him to his current career-high mark of 169.

Defending champion Defi Du Seuil would clearly be a threat if back on form, while Waiting Patiently also makes some appeal, but preference is for the proven performer.

Roksana appears a similarlyoutstandingcandidateinthe Matchbook Betting Podcast Mares’ Hurdle.

Dan Skelton’s charge did not really hit her stride last term, but two runs this season haveshownshehasnotlosther ability – with a comprehensive victory over Next Destination at Wetherby setting her up nicely for the Long Walk at this track last month.

Paisley Park and Thyme Hill proved too good that day, but there was no shame in Roksana’s two-length defeat against the two best staying hurdlers in training.

De Forgotten One is seemingly on the upgrade and is the pick in the Matchbook Best Odds Handicap Chase.

After a fine third around Cheltenham’s cross-country course, Richard Hobson’s runner showed he is equally at homeoverregulationobstacles when hacking up by 13 lengths at Catterick.

Thehandicapperhasraised him 10lb for that win, but this seven-year-oldisonarapidupwards trajectory.