12-1 longshot tip for the Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday

Politologue will be the star attraction for the Grade 1 Matchbook Betting Exchange Clarence House Chase (3.35) at Ascot on Saturday.

Harry Skelton has not been called upon to take the ride on the Ditcheat star this time. The ten-year-old will be partnered by Harry Cobden for the very first time since 2019.

Undoubtedly the one to beat, he won the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season and was last seen winning the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.

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Under the radar

Trainer Paul Nicholls knows what it takes to win this race, winning it a record five times. He will also be represented by Duc De Genievres, who is not to be discounted at a much larger price.

He finished third in the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton in December behind Altior and Nube Negra. There is plenty of rain around this week and that will be in his favour.

He ran a brilliant race on his debut for Paul Nicholls in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham. He jumped superbly from the front and was only mowed down late on by another Arkle winner in the form of Put The Kettle On. Back Duc Des Genievres with bet365 below.

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Duc Des Genievres is himself a former 13-length Arkle winner. He is a good staying two miler who likes to get on with things so he will make it a proper test at Ascot on Saturday.

He wasn’t as good at Kempton but that is a far more speedy track so Ascot will suit much better. The yard comfirmed that he is in seriously good order and the bang in form Daryl Jacob takes the ride.