The centre piece on Wednesday is the Queen Mother Champion Chase run over 2 miles. Master Minded will be a warm favourite for this and connections will be looking to win this race for the third year in a row. Trainer Ferdie Murphy is pleased with the condition of his Kalahari King and is confident he will finish in the first three. Big Zeb (pictured) so nearly beat Master Minded at Punchestown last April. He and Twist Magic both fell in this race last year. Well Chief has not really sparkled this season and perhaps the years are catching up with him. I am prepared to give Big Zeb another chance and he could be the each way value.

The Royal and Sun Alliance Chase is run over 3 miles before the Queen Mother Champion Chase. It is a race for first season novice Chasers and looks particular competitive this year. Trainer Nicky Henderson has a strong hand with three runners, the likely favourite Long Run, Punchestowns and Burton Port. Diamond Harry and Weapons Amnesty also come into the reckoning but I am a big fan of Punchestowns and I hope to see him power up the Cheltenham hill the same as Cooldine did last year.