Harry Cobden is set to reunite with Politologue when he runs in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
The 10-year-old’s last two outings have come with Harry Skelton in the plate, the duo teaming up to win last March’s Queen Mother Champion Chase before landing the Tingle Creek before Christmas.
However, a clash of interests has arisen for Skelton due to him also being employed as stable jockey for his brother, Dan, and the Alcester-handler has a live contender in Nube Negra for this year’s Champion Chase.
The seven-year-old got the better of Altior in the Desert Orchid Chase over Christmas and Skelton admits it is his responsibility to answer his sibling’s call.
“It’s unfortunate circumstances,” Harry Skelton said. “The owners [John and Lisa Hales] wanted whoever rode him on Saturday to ride him in the Champion Chase. But if Dan’s horse makes it to the festival then, as his stable jockey, it is my job to ride him.”
That means Cobden will be on board the Paul Nicholls-trained grey on Saturday at Ascot with a view to riding him again at March’s Festival, most likely against Skelton and Nube Negra.
The pair previously won the Tingle Creek together in 2017 and were also second to Altior in the 2019 Champion Chase.
