Champion priority for Master
The Paul Nicholls-trained five-year-old became the highest rated National Hunt horse in training following a 19-length demolition of Voy Por Ustedes in last season’s Champion Chase, but suffered defeat to the same rival over two and a half miles at Aintree next time.
However, he was back to his brilliant best under Tony McCoy in Saturday’s feature event and although he may be seen twice again before he bids to retain his crown, Smith admits the Festival is the priority.
“Obviously I enjoyed the win very much indeed and I was as impressed as I possibly could be,” said the owner.
“I’ve already read this morning that some people think he didn’t run to anything like the figure that most handicappers gave him at Cheltenham, but it was his first run of the season and he still had to go round and win.
“He did it very nicely and he did what he had to do. Tony used his experience to make sure he avoided the loose horse up front and he jumped great.
“Paul has not got him 100% wound up I’m sure as he’s thinking of a long season ahead and we want to be racing at our best in March.
“He still performed better than anything else in the race and did it comfortably.”
Smith admits McCoy was very impressed by Master Minded’s display, but the owner has confirmed that Ruby Walsh will regain the ride when he returns from injury.
“Tony got off the horse and said to me he thought he had ran up to the rating he was given at Cheltenham. That is obviously just his opinion and everyone is entitled to theirs,” Smith continued.
“I spoke to Ruby last night and I reassured him that there are no doubts he will be riding him next time if he is fit and well.”
“He could now run in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot (January 17). After that he could go to the Game Spirit at Newbury in February and then back to Cheltenham.
“The Festival is obviously the main target.”
