Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase
2m, Cheltenham, Wednesday 17 March 1520 GMT
Number, form, horse's name, age, weight, trainer, jockey.
Odds are a guide for information purposes only.  | 606: DEBATE |
Verdict: He was out of training over Christmas with a stress fracture of the rib and almost fell at the final fence on his most recent outing but such is MASTER MINDED'S remarkable CV that he will again take all the beating. Forpadydeplasterer is primed to run a big race under Tony McCoy, while Twist Magic, the Paul Nicholls second string, is another to consider. Pinsticker's choice:
1 Master Minded 2 Forpadydeplasterer 3 Twist Magic
1 F12-141 BIG ZEB 9 11-10
Colm Murphy Barry Geraghty
Finished a disappointing fourth of five in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in November after starting as favourite but bounced back to win latest start at Punchestown. Prone to jumping errors when put under pressure, as when falling in this race last year.
Rating: 6/10 Odds: 9-1 2 221-222 FORPADYDEPLASTERER 8 11-10
Tom Cooper Tony McCoy
Reportedly put in a storming performance in a racecourse gallop at Leopardstown in late February and the 2009 Arkle winner is sure to be a big player in this. Trainer has swerved a much easier test in the Ryanair Chase so must be confident.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 9-1 3 107-4112 GOLDEN SILVER 8 11-10
Willie Mullins Paul Townend
Heavily campaigned earlier in his career when trained in France, boasts an overall record of four wins and four second places in 15 chases. Some encouraging recent form after a pretty wretched showing in last year's Arkle (14th of 17).
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 4 21212-1 KALAHARI KING 9 11-10
Ferdy Murphy Graham Lee
Consistent sort, a fine jumper and he landed the Blue Square Handicap at Doncaster after more than nine months without a race, despite being top weight. Fourth and second in his two previous Festival appearances, he is not without a chance if he puts in a big performance.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 9-2 5 3-42552 MAHOGANY BLAZE 8 11-10
Nigel Twiston-Davies Paddy Brennan
The locally based trainer has never won this race and looks all but certain to continue the wait this year. Mahogany Blaze has not won for two years and finished 13 lengths behind Master Minded (giving 10lb) last time.
Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1 6 1111-31 MASTER MINDED 7 11-10
Paul Nicholls Ruby Walsh
Bidding to be the first horse since Badsworth Boy in the 1980s to pick up a hat-trick in this race, Master Minded has recovered magnificently from an injury last November and looks in tremendous condition. Only a bad mistake is likely to cost him the race.
Rating: 9/10 Odds: 10-11 7 211-534 OH CRICK 7 11-10
Alan King Wayne Hutchinson
Had a valuable campaign last term, including a win at the Festival in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual and another in the April meeting at Aintree. This season has been much quieter and there is little indication he can be a big player.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 8 6F1-311 TWIST MAGIC 8 11-10
Paul Nicholls Robert Thornton
Has a miserable record at Cheltenham but wins in the Tingle Creek and Victor Chandler Chases have catapulted him into the picture for this race. Throw in his trainer's outstanding record at the Festival and it's easy to see this one disputing the places.
Rating: 7/10 Odds: 7-1 9 /2-1324 WELL CHIEF 11 11-10
David Pipe Timmy Murphy
It is not unheard of an 11-year-old to win this race (Moscow Flyer did just that in 2005) but Well Chief missed nearly two years of action after falling as an even-money favourite in this in 2007. Has performed solidly this season without really pulling up any trees.
Rating: 5/10 Odds: 33-1
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