Politologue caps off another perfect day for Nicholls

Paul Nicholls' stated priority is on building a team for the future but the champion trainer is doing awfully well in the present as his purple patch yielded an Ascot hat-trick and confirmation he has an emerging star in the grey Politologue.

Victories for Topofthegame and Capitaine extended his winning streak to six wins from six runners – propelling the stable's seasonal score to 97 and, at the current rate, Nicholls will hit the century mark by Christmas, which for many is a goal for an entire season.

"The horses are going well and we have to make the most of it when they are like that," the trainer said. "The team has set itself a target of a hundred by January 1. We might get it before Christmas if we have a good week. We have never ever done that before, nowhere near. So we keep going."