Master possible for Roan return
The race had to be reopened on Monday after attracting just eight entries with one more received for the Grade Two limited handicap.
The Paul Nicholls-trained eight-year-old looked right back to his best when stepped up to two and a half miles at the Grand National meeting and has the King George VI Chase as his main aim for the first half of the season.
Owner Clive Smith said: “I have talked with Paul about running Master Minded at Aintree and it’s a possibility at the moment.
“We think that it will be a nice race for him and we have won it before with Kauto Star (2006), but it will depend on the going and how well the horse is.
“We are trying to avoid having him and Kauto Star running on the same day, which would happen if we went to Ascot for the Grade Two chase on the day of the Betfair Chase – Haydock looks the best option for Kauto Star and we want Ruby (Walsh) to be able to ride both horses whenever possible.
“Master Minded was very impressive when he beat Albertas Run at the course in April but he would be giving him weight this time and it’s never as straightforward as converting lengths into pounds.
“The King George VI Chase is the obvious aim for him in the first half of the season but we have just got to see how he is and whether he will definitely stay the trip.”
Nicholls could also run Grade One-winning novice Tataniano.
Three-time Cheltenham Festival winner Albertas Run, second to Master Minded in April, could reoppose on 10lb better terms.
Finger Onthe Pulse is the sole entry from Ireland while Welsh handler Peter Bowen could run Rio Gael and Pure Faith.
Nicky Richards has entered Noble Alan, Charlie Mann‘s Fine Parchment could take his chance while Havingotascoobydo is entered but is not qualified to run.
The race is named after Richards‘ three-time winner Monet‘s Garden, who will parade before the race.
