Big three stand ground in Queen Mother

Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop and Well Chief have all stood their ground ahead of an enthralling renewal of the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham next Wednesday.

In what could be race of the Festival, only Mister McGoldrick and Native Upmanship were withdrawn from the two-mile showpiece at yesterday’s five-day confirmation stage.

Azertyuiop’s trainer Paul Nicholls still has Armaturk, Cenkos and Kadarann engaged, with Well Chief’s handler Martin Pipe also having the Oliver Carter-owned Venn Ottery entered.

The least exposed in the field of 10 is prolific winner Oneway, who heads into the Champion Chase unbeaten in his last five starts.

“I am delighted with him and he should be spot-on on the day,” said trainer Mark Rimell.

“He has a lot to find with those top three but there is nothing to say it isn’t there. I have no idea what is in his locker, but I suppose we will find out next week.”