VAULT

Bold-jumping grey can leap to success in Ascot Chase

POLITOLOGUE gets the vote to deny Waiting Patiently a repeat victory in the Betfair Ascot Chase (3.55).

Paul Nicholls’s grey twice proved his worth at the highest level last season, landing the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December 2017 – beating today’s rival Fox Norton – and when getting the better of Min in the Melling Chase at Aintree last April.

Politologue fended off another of this afternoon’s foes, Charbel, for a half-length margin over course and distance November.

The step up to three miles proved beyond Sam Twiston-davies’ mount when he returned fourth behind stablemate Clan Des Obeaux in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.

The drop back in distance is a big plus for the bold-jumping Politologue, who has scored on both his visits to Ascot, and a third toplevel triumph beckons.

There will be some long faces among the Nicholls in camp if CLAN DES OBEAUX fails to land short odds as he warms up for the Gold Cup in the Grade 2 Betfair Denman Chase (2.45), salvaged from Newbury’s lost card last Saturday.

A crystal ball is as much use as the form book in predicting what REGAL ENCORE, who bids to back up last year’s success in the Kelbray Swinley Chase (2.10), will do next – but a 2lb higher mark than 12 months ago is certainly within range. The Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (1.35) is a good opportunity for TOP VILLE BEN to state his claims for the Cheltenham Festival after impressing over fences at Hexham and Wetherby. At Haydock, Sam Waleycohen has a first-rate chance of landing the William Hill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (3.35) aboard IMPULSIVE STAR.

Earlier, YANWORTH should bring his class to bear in the Grade 2 William Hill Rendlesham Hurdle (1.55).

At Wincanton, VISION DES FLOS stands out in the Grade 2 Betway Kingwell Hurdle (3.00), while BIGMARTRE looks well treated in the Betway Heed Your Hunch Handicap Chase (1.45).

Presenting Percy doesn’t line up for Gowran Park’s Red Mills Chase (2.30), and in his absence the Grade 2 prize can go to MONALEE (left).