Zeb takes Thailand test

Big Zeb bids to further enhance his claims for the Cheltenham Festival when he lines-up in Sunday’s Amazing Thailand Chase at Punchestown.

The eight-year-old is already second favourite at around 10-1 for the Queen Mother Champion Chase behind last year’s winner, the odds-on Master Minded.

He faces just four rivals in his prep race for the Festival after making a pleasing return to action with victory in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

“He came out of his last race really well and we think he’s come on a good bit for it. He’s done really well since,” said trainer Colm Murphy.

“After Sunday the plan would be for him to go to Cheltenham. I imagine at the minute he’d go for the Champion Chase.”

Willie Mullins believes his runner Scotsirish has plenty on his plate.

“I suppose Big Zeb would take all the beating and Mansony also has a great chance,” said the County Carlow trainer.

“Scotsirish is in good form. I said I would stick to the shorter trip this weekend and see how we go there. He seems to handle Punchestown well.”

Noel Meade’s Watson Lake and Carthalawn, trained by Charles Byrnes, complete the quintet for the race formerly known as the Tied Cottage Chase.