Hales hoping for Christmas cheer and more as Politologue seals King George place

You cannot buy what John Hales wants for Christmas in any Black Friday mega deal and the owner's festive dream is alive and kicking after Politologue sealed his place in the 32Red King George VI Chase line-up at Kempton on December 26.

Hales has previous with the prestigious Christmas contest, winning it – in a poser for any fans of racing trivia – twice in one year with One Man in 1996 and has his heart set on another triumph with the Paul Nicholls-trained Politologue, who downed Charbel in an absorbing contest that marks the year jumping was introduced at Ascot.

Politologue fends off Charbel in the Christy 1965 ChaseCredit: Mark Cranham

Backed by Christy and worth £70,000, the race is familiar territory for connections, who won it in 2013 and 2014 with Al Ferof, who then went on to finish third in subsequent King Georges.

Better is not necessarily predicted, but it is certainly hoped for with Politologue, who is as short as 8-1 with Paddy Power and Betfair for the winter championship.

"I'd say I was more worried today than I will be on Boxing Day because he had to do it today," said a relieved Hales, whose pride and joy was ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies.

"The pressure was on and it would have been total failure if he was second. The press would have given us a bad time, but he came and did everything he had to.

Replay, result and analysis

"I'd have thought two miles and five furlongs around here was similar to three miles at Kempton and they'll go quicker at Kempton, which is what he wants and it'll suit him. I think we've got a great chance in the King George and I had a good bet on him on the way down here. I got 16-1 each-way which is a bloody good bet."

Hales memorably won the Grand National with Neptune Collonges in 2012, but longs to land the sport's second major chasing prize.

He added: "The dream? Ask me after the King George because if he shows he gets the three miles I'll do everything I can to persuade Paul to run in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January and then we'll see.

John Hales: hopeful Politologue could end up running in the Gold CupCredit: Steve Davies

"The Gold Cup is the big dream. I've won everything I want to win, but I've got the Grand National trophy at home and next to it is a space for the Gold Cup."

Politologue is as big as 40-1 for the Gold Cup, which will be sponsored by Magners for the first time this season.

Now that would be something to savour for Hales, whose Christmases would come at once should the dashing grey strike in March.

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