Politologue back for more Melling Glory on high-quality Friday Aintree card

Last season's Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Politologue will bid to join an elite group as a dual winner of the Melling Chase and headlines a quality field of eight for Friday's Grade 1 feature on day two of the 2021 Grand National meeting.

The ten-year-old came out on top of a thrilling tussle with Min in 2018, but was soundly beaten by that rival when second a year later before the race was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Politologue returned this season with success in the Tingle Creek at Sandown, but could only manage second in the Clarence House Chase and was ruled out of his Champion Chase title defence at the last minute having bled from the nose.

He returns to Merseyside where he bids to become the sixth dual winner of the 2m4f Grade 1, which will be run this year as the Marsh Chase, joining an illustrious group of horses including the likes of Moscow Flyer and Viking Flagship.

Politologue (near) fended off Min in a classic Melling Chase in 2018Credit: Edward Whitaker

His trainer Paul Nicholls is also represented by Ascot Chase second Master Tommytucker, with his conqueror that day Dashel Drasher among the opposition, as well as Duc Des Genievres.

Nuts Well will also bid to provide trainer Ann Hamilton and Danny McMenamin with a fairytale first top-level successes following his victory in the Old Roan Chase over course and distance in October.

Aintree's Friday card

Nicholls also steps Challow Hurdle winner and Ballymore Novices' Hurdle third Bravemansgame up to three miles for the first time in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle, in which a field of 15 will go to post.

Marsh Novices' Chase winner Chantry House is set for a fascinating clash against fellow Grade 1 winners Shan Blue and Sporting John in the Betway Mildmay Novices' Chase, which also includes Brown Advisory Novices' Chase second and third Fiddlerontheroof and The Big Breakaway.

Ten runners have been declared for the Top Novices' Hurdle including Supreme Novices' Hurdle third For Pleasure, County Hurdle winner Belfast Banter and the Nicky Henderson-trained Dusart, while 28 runners will contest the Topham Chase as the jockeys get their final opportunity for a spin over the Grand National fences before Saturday's big race.

Marsh Chase betting

bet365: 11-4 Fakir D'Oudairies, Politologue, 5 Master Tommytucker, 6 Dashel Drasher, Notebook, 9 Nuts Well, 20 Itchy Feet, 33 Duc Des Genievres

Marsh Chase (registered as the Melling) runners and riders

Dashel Drasher Matt Griffiths
Duc des Genievres Lorcan Williams
Fakir D'oudairies Mark Walsh
Itchy Feet Gavin Sheehan
Master Tommytucker Sam Twiston-Davies
Notebook Rachael Blackmore
Nuts Well Danny McMenamin
Politologue Harry Cobden

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