One more mission for Politologue before new year break

2.30 Kempton
Unibet Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2) | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RUK

Paul Nicholls has pinned a lot of his seasonal ambitions on Politologue and his Tingle Creek winner will aim to make it a white Christmas for the yard in the race named after jumping's greatest grey.

Politologue announced he could be a potential heir to stable greats Kauto Star, Master Minded, Big Buck's and Denman by defeating Fox Norton to capture the Sandown Grade 1 earlier this month, once a yard staple.

The grey now gets the chance to claim the race named after four times King George VI Chase winner Desert Orchid, a race in which Nicholls' only victory was with one of his lesser lights, Sanctuaire.

Politologue meets Champion Chase winner Special Tiara, Forest Bihan and Vaniteux and, even with a small penalty, appears to have a simpler task than he faced at Sandown.

"You'd like to think on form this could be a straightforward opportunity for Politologue, but Special Tiara is no mug round Kempton and the course probably suits him better than anywhere else," said Nicholls.

"On a form line with Fox Norton we should go close. Special Tiara is ten and Politologue is six and progressive, so I'd like to think our horse is going forward. He wouldn't mind it soft either."

Immediately after the Tingle Creek, Nicholls' plans were set on the Clarence House Chase at Ascot next year.

"I was in two minds whether to go here or Ascot," he said. "We could go to Ascot and then Cheltenham, or run him here, give him a little break and use the Game Spirit as a stepping stone to Cheltenham.

"John Hales [owner] is in the country at the moment, whereas he won't be for Ascot. If we waited it could be off for the weather so we'll take this chance while it's there."

Tiara special round Kempton

Special Tiara is unbeaten at Kempton, having won this race in 2014 and last season, en route to landing the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

Special Tiara: the main threat to PolitologueCredit: Patrick McCann

He should never be underestimated, though frequently is, and once again plays the role of underdog.

Jockey Noel Fehily said during racing on Tuesday: "I'd prefer it if the ground was riding as it walks. Unfortunately it rides slower. He's very ground-dependent and I wouldn't want to see any more rain for him."

He added: "He likes it at Kempton but I actually think he's better at Sandown and Cheltenham as he enjoys stiffer tracks that place an emphasis on jumping."

Forest looking to fire

Forest Bihan has two recent experiences of taking on Politologue. In the latest he was pulled up when tailed off in the Haldon Gold Cup.

Forest Bihan: into 25s for the Arkle after his Lightning Novices' Chase winCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

But at Aintree in April he was right in the thick of it at the climax to the Maghull Novices' Chase, in which he was left in the lead at the last when Politologue stumbled to the ground, only be caught and beaten a head by San Benedeto.

A reproduction of his defeat of Simply Ned under top weight at Kelso in October could see him push Politologue close.

Trainer Brian Ellison said: "He went to Exeter overnight and probably didn't travel very well. When he came back his blood was all wrong. He's fine now, working well and in good form. He has a lot of speed and should travel well round Kempton."

Picking up the pieces

Vaniteux, a £125,000 purchase for the David Pipe stable at the end of last season, was last seen finishing fourth of four behind Top Notch in the rescheduled Peterborough Chase in first-time blinkers.

Vaniteux: now with David PipeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

He will be back in cheekpieces for this challenge but has plenty to find on this term's efforts.

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