Can Masterminded make it three?

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the feature on day two of the Cheltenham Festival and Master Minded is the star attraction.

Master Minded bids to emulate Badsworth Boy in becoming only the second horse to win the two mile championship contest on three successive occasions.

Paul Nicholls’ charge has had a far from ideal preparation, a cracked rib being cited as the reason for his defeat on his seasonal debut. However, Master Minded (5/6) dismissed a weak field in the Game Spirit at Newbury on his latest start this but confirmed that he was back to near his best.

Master Minded faces eight rivals including last season’s Arkle first and second, Kalahari King (4/1) and Forpadytheplasterer (8/1). Kalahari King will relish the lively surface and impressed when conceding weight all round and winning easily at Doncaster on his first start this season.

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Big Zeb (9/1) has lots of potential but needs to overcome his jumping frailties while Twist Magic (7/1), stable companion of Master Minded looks a revived horse judged on his two Grade One victories this season.

A fascinating RSA Chase takes place at 2.40. Nicky Henderson holds both Long Run and Punchestowns in the highest of regard while Diamond Harry and Weapon’s Amnesty are two other high class novices.

Amatuer rider Sam Waley-Cohen will have his riding skills tested to the limit here on a horse with a huge engine but who is inclined to race enthusiastically. Citizen Vic is another that cannot be ruled out of calculations given his improving profile.

Rite Of Passage and Quel Esprit will carry Irish hopes in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle while the Weatherbys Champion Bumper sees the usual strong Irish challenge including three representatives for Willie Mullins and two for Dermot Weld.

Quantitiveeasing will be a leading fancy for the Coral Cup and while his lack of experience is a concern, he is a horse who’s potential has not been fully exposed.

Top-weight Chicago Grey is an interesting contender while Deutschland had a number of engagements earlier in the week and it is notable that connections have opted for this rather than Friday’s Grand Annual.

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Abbeybraney can get punters off to a winning start in the National Hunt Chase.

It promises to be an excellent day of racing and all eyes will be on Master Minded as he bids to win his third Queen Mother Champion Chase.