Politologue claims victory in Haldon Gold Cup

Politologue has earned a potential clash with the sport’s elite two-mile chasers after starting off his season with victory in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said the grey gelding’s victory from stablemate San Benedeto meant the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on December 9 and a potential clash with Nicky Henderson’s 2017 Arkle Chase winner Altior was now on the cards.

Politologue, an unfortunate loser at Aintree last season when stumbling a few strides after the last fence, looked like winning on the bridle at one stage on Tuesday.

But he appeared to get tired in the closing stages, giving his Bryony Frost-ridden stablemate another chance after the last fence.

However, winning jockey Sam Twiston-Davies drove out the 5-2 favourite to win by two and a quarter lengths.

Gino Trail, who led until the top of the home straight, stayed on to finish third, just ahead of Garde La Victoire.

The disappointments of the race were top weight Ar Mad and Forest Bihan, who never looked like getting involved at any stage and were both pulled up in the testing ground.

Nicholls said: ‘I thought he might just need it (the run) a fraction on that ground.

Paul Nicholls was pleased with Politologue and plans to go to Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown

The grey gelding jumped well to claim victory ahead of stablemate San Benedeto

‘He had a gallop the day and the other horse had had a run and to be fair to San Benedeto he has improved massively and he has run really well, too.

‘That was a good performance as he can only improve. Sam said he jumped brilliantly and travelled so well.

‘He got there almost too soon but we will head off to the Tingle Creek now.

‘Last year I got in my mind we were doing the wrong thing with him and not using his jumping, which is his best asset.

‘He probably is a really good two-miler which he has proved and we have obviously have got to go down the route of the Tingle Creek and hope it is soft.’