Cheltenham Festival 2018 – Paul Nicholls keeping belief in Champion Chase hope Politologue
Despite being swept aside by Altior, Paul Nicholls believes Politologue can perform admirably in a fast-paced Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
PAUL NICHOLLS believes a strong gallop in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase will produce an improved showing from Politologue at the Cheltenham Festival.
The seven-year-old was unbeaten in three starts this season, including a Grade 1 success in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, prior to being swept aside by a returning Altior at Newbury earlier this month.
Whilst to many it would look difficult for the Newbury form to be turned around at Prestbury Park, Nicholls is cautiously optimistic the grey will at least run honourably at the Cheltenham Festival.
He said: "One thing about the Champion Chase is that they will go flat out and that will suit him much better. Hopefully that will help us close the gap.
"He has got that level and is a decent horse and continues to give a good account of himself. Since we have gone back to two miles, he has been really progressive."
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Frodon, third in the Ascot Chase earlier this month, will run in the Ryanair Chase.
Nicholls said: "He loves the track and is versatile on the ground.
";He is a really decent horse and I think we can improve on Ascot (third in the Ascot Chase).
"One day I am sure this horse is capable of stepping up and winning a Grade One."