Paul Nicholls dreaming of King George for cosy Ascot winner Politologue

DASHING grey Politologue is likely to face his acid test in Kempton's King George.

Paul Nicholls' bold jumper made a winning reappearance at Ascot and will step up in distance for the Grade 1 event on Boxing Day.

The seven-year-old gave weight and a beating to Charbel in the Grade 2 Christy 1965 Chase at the weekend and trainer Paul Nicholls believes he's ready to take his chance at the highest level once again.

Nicholls said: "He will go for the King George, and he will not go for anything else bar that now.

"We will then aim for something after Christmas - but we won't run in the Cotswold Chase, because that is the last race I would want to run him in, in a bog. Three and a quarter miles around Cheltenham in January is not what he wants.

"The Ascot Chase would suit him well after Christmas - but I said to John (Hales, owner) 'let's just worry about one race', and he will go to the King George fit and well."

Although yet to race over three miles, the gelding saw out Saturday's extended two-and-a-half mile trip strongly and connections have few concerns over his stamina.

Nicholls added: "You have got to stay round Kempton, but he stayed at Ascot over the two- miles-five. He has never run over three, but he has won over two-five now, and I've got no reason to see why he won't stay.

"Ascot is a stiff track. He travels well and tends to idle in front, but I was thrilled with him on Saturday."