Master Minded to make Season Debut at Cheltenham on Sunday, but Punters beware says the Champion trainer.
Dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Master Minded returns to the track at Cheltenham on Sunday, but his trainer Paul Nicholls has warned punters that bigger targets lie ahead.
The superstar six-year-old finished last season unbeaten after winning the Tingle Creek and Victor Chandler Chase before victories at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals, but this year his campaign kicks off away from the glare of a Grade One.
The inaugural Connaught Chase over two miles at Cheltenham will be his starting point this weekend with rivals such as Well Chief set to receive 10lbs from the Clive Smith-owned horse.
Nicholls told sportinglife.com: “I’ve left plenty to work on for between now and the Tingle Creek and it’s very much the same scenario as Celestial Halo last weekend.
“The toughest thing might be conceding 10lbs to Well Chief but we’ve got to start somewhere and there are bigger targets down the road.
“He’s summered well, though, Ruby schooled him this morning and he’s in good nick. I’m looking forward to running him.”
Paddy Power rate Master Minded an 8/13 chance for Sunday’s race with Well Chief next in the betting at 2/1.
