Politologue held off Fox Norton
Politologue held off Fox Norton

Sam Twiston-Davies buzzing for Politologue ride at Kempton


Sam Twiston-Davies is excited at the prospect of being reunited with Politologue in the Unibet Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.

The rider had to sit and suffer while recovering from a broken elbow suffered in a fall from Double Ross on November 12, as the Paul Nicholls-trained grey lifted the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown earlier this month.

Twiston-Davies had steered Politologue to victory in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter in November and is hoping for a similar result in this four-runner Grade Two heat, which features dual race winner and Champion Chase hero Special Tiara in opposition.

"I'm really looking forward to it, he really well in the Tingle Creek. It's obviously another task against some good horses," said Twiston-Davies, who returned to action on December 16.

"Watching horses like him when I was out injured urged me on to work that bit harder while I was off. It's hard to watch it, but it does help you as well. It's nice to be looking forward to having a go.

"There are some real solid horses in there - you know with Special Tiara you are going to get a good, honest gallop and it will be interesting to see how we get on."

As well as the Henry de Bromhead-trained Special Tiara, Politologue has to deal with David Pipe's Vaniteux and Forest Bihan from Brian Ellison's stable.

Twiston-Davies partners Tommy Silver for the Nicholls team in the other Grade Two contest on the card, the 32Red.com Wayward Lad Novices' Chase

The five-year-old got off the mark over fences at the second attempt when successful at Leicester last month, but connections were initially surprised when he was beaten at Bangor by Testify.

"Tommy Silver has done OK. His form at Bangor on the face of it was disappointing at the time, but the form has been done no harm since by Testify at Haydock," he said.

"It's a very deep race, competitive, but that little bit better ground here should hopefully help him."

Nicholls also saddles Cyrname, who won a handicap chase at Huntingdon in November.

The Unit goes for this two-mile contest rather than carry top weight in the novices' handicap chase over two and a half miles at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Trainer Alan King reports the six-year-old to be in good shape ahead as he bids to open his account over fences after two placed efforts.

"I just thought that was the better option rather than asking him to carry top weight in the novice race on the Tuesday," said the Barbury Castle handler.

"He worked on Saturday and everything seems fine. Whether he is better at two and a half, I don't know, but we will give it a crack.

"Wayne (Hutchinson) thought he didn't quite get home at Huntingdon and he is quite happy to drop back to the two. We will just have to see how it goes, but he is in good order anyway.

"I hope they don't get to much rain as he is a better horse on better ground."

Dan Skelton's Shantou Rock, who beat The Unit by nine lengths at Newton Abbot in October, is among the opposition, while the Mark Gillard-trained Kostaquarta makes up the quintet.

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