Paul Nicholls’ Politologue has Desert Orchid Chase option as his season builds around the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival

TINGLE CREEK winner Politologue could run in the Desert Orchid Chase later this month after a change in plan.

Trainer Paul Nicholls had originally planned to send him to the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January, but is looking for an alternative route towards the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

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He told his Betfair blog: ''Politologue has come out of his race at Sandown in such good form I am considering running him at Kempton on December 27.

"Originally I planned to keep him for the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January ahead of his main target for the season the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

"But after talking to his owner John Hales I am going to enter him in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton where we feel he would have a very good chance of winning.

"Then he could have a little break before a warm up for Cheltenham in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.

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"That is a route we have taken successfully with several of our best two-milers.

"He is such an exciting young chaser, still improving and we hope the best is still to come.

Templegate's TV tips

1.55 Cheltenham - Ms Parfois: 'Probably found 3m a bit too far on her chase debut at Uttoxeter last month. I’m expecting her to improve for that run'

2.30 Cheltenham - Robinsfirth: 'Hasn’t stood much racing over the years but there’s no doubt he’s useful and he made a promising return'

3.05 Cheltenham - Bless The Wings: 'He’s been pulled up in both his races this season but he’s got plenty of good form around this unique track'

3.40 Cheltenham - The Dutchman: 'There’s every chance he’s still nicely treated and the step up in distance should not be a problem'

"We now have two possible routes for Cheltenham with him and will make up our minds over the next week or so if he goes to Kempton."