The Paul Nicholls trained Politologue is said to be in fine fettle ahead of his seasonal bow in the Grade OneTingle Creek at Sandown, a race he won back in 2017 and he is set to be ridden by Harry Skelton who sat on him last time out for their win in The Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Skelton is very much looking forward to getting back on board the grey owned by John Hales this weekend, with the nine year old showing a superb attitude in March to land the Wednesday feature at the festival.
With Skelton's brother Dan, not having a runner in the event he is again free to ride the gelding and although he has not been seen in public on board the Grade One winner he has been over to Ditcheat to school him in preparation of his run at Sandown.
Skelton said: “I’ve had a sit on him, and he feels in great form.
“Paul is very happy with him, and that is the main thing. If he is happy then I’m happy.
Second last year, not for catching this time!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 11, 2020
Politologue lands the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase on his fifth Festival visit, leading home a 1-2 for @PFNicholls 👏 #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/KWMw1PHtkG
“He does feel very well, and we are looking forward to it.”
It was thought that Politologue would never be able to get back to his best Grade One winning form last year having raced twice before the festival, finishing second of four on debut in the Shloer Chase and then fifth of eight in the Tingle Creek, where again he finished behind Defi Du Seuil.
His win in the Champion Chase saw him back to his best and although the big hitters like Altior and Chacun Pour Soi were pulled out of the event took the shine off the race, the grey was still the best horse on the day and will be looking to replicate that form at the weekend.
He added: “Cheltenham was fantastic, and it doesn’t say that the race cut up on the trophy.
“He gave me a day I will never forget, and I’m now just really looking forward to getting back on him.”