Nicholls buoyed by Master form

PAUL Nicholls believes Master Minded is “in the form of his life” ahead of an intended appearance at Aintree on Friday.

The Clive Smith-owned five-year-old produced a breathtaking performance to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase by 19 lengths at the Cheltenham Festival earlier in the month.

The prospect of fast ground at Punchestown, allied to Master Minded’s well-being, nudged connections towards running him in the John Smith’s Melling Chase. “He schooled this morning with Ruby (Walsh) and was just as fresh, he worked well,” said Nicholls.