Side with Nicholls the master

Not content with saddling the two favourites for the Gold Cup later in the week, Paul Nicholls is in the enviable position of having two live chances in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Both Master Minded and Twist Magic hold strong claims of denying Voy Por Ustedes back-to-back victories in a race which is usually one of the most thrilling of the Cheltenham Festival.

This year’s renewal may not have much strength in depth aside from the first few in the market, but Master Minded has more improvement in him than most.

Ideally, Nicholls would probably liked to have run the five-year-old in the Arkle, but the tendency of the French to start their horses off over fences very early means that avenue is ruled out.

Master Minded beat the reigning champion quite comfortably by five lengths in the Game Spirit at Newbury in receipt of 6lb, so technically they come out pretty evenly matched.

However, Ruby Walsh is adamant Master Minded will be better coming off a strong pace rather than making the running like he had to do on that occasion.

The Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle looks a particularly strong renewal but Group Captain has fewer question marks over him than most.

A quality performer on the level, where he won the November Handicap, he has taken to the winter game very well indeed.

Unbeaten in three starts, he saved his most impressive performance for last, beating a quality field at Exeter by seven lengths.

The runner-up and the fifth have since come out and won to strengthen the form, but it was the way he sprinted clear that really caught the eye.

The trip should not pose a problem – it may even bring about improvement – and he should have too much speed for Aigle D’Or.

This year’s renewal of the Royal & SunAlliance Chase looks a weak affair so it may be worth taking a punt on Hughie Morrison’s Starzaan.

A classy performer over hurdles many moons ago, he has returned from a lengthy absence to prove he has retained all of his ability.

Two victories over fences, admittedly in egg and spoon races, have shown he has the right attitude for the game and Robert Thornton was very keen to keep the association together.

The Coral Cup would appear to revolve around Tony Martin’s Leg Spinner, but as the shrewdies have already snapped up the fancy prices about the Cesarewitch winner we shall look elsewhere.

One who has been laid out for the race is Ferdy Murphy’s Naid Du Misselot, but he does need to get his toe in.

He was last seen beating Regal Heights by four lengths at Haydock and that one is now rated as high as 150 over fences.

Murphy is a master at targeting a horse at a particular race and has a great recent record at the Festival.

Donald McCain has also held a long-term plan for Ice Tea, who has leading claims in the Peter O’Sullevan National Hunt Chase.

Not disgraced in the Reynoldstown Chase behind the best novices, he will also have the assistance of one of the best jockeys in the race in Richard Burton, who was snapped up some time ago.

The Weatherbys Champion Bumper is likely to be won by an Irish horse and there are plenty of lively candidates.

It may be best to side with Colm Murphy’s three-time winner Zaarito, but keep a close eye on the market beforehand for a springer or two.

Charlie Mann’s Rebel Melody can win the Showsec Handicap Hurdle at Huntingdon, while Cerebus can oblige in the Bet Cheltenham Festival – Betdaq Handicap at Southwell.

Taboor should also score in the Bet Uefa Cup – Betdaq Handicap at Wolverhampton.