Paul Nicholls may have have found his next superstar after Politologue stepped up to win the Tingle Creek at Sandown and give the trainer his 10th win in the Grade One steeplechase.

Jumping well throughout, the six-year-old put in a career-best effort to back up his victory on his seasonal return in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.

Among Nicholls' past winners are Master Minded and the great Kauto Star.

"I am not saying he is as good as Master Minded yet, but he jumps well and has the same sort of attributes. He has class and at his age, he should just get better," Nicholls said.

"I'm very lucky to have one like it again. He is a good one and it is great to be back there with a horse like this.

"I think he is a real two-miler. He has got speed and jumps. We will probably go to Ascot now (for the Clarence House Chase) at the end of January."

There was a sad postscript to the race as the Tom George-trained Sir Valentino suffered a fatal fall at the last obstacle.