The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 15 March 2011 /

Timeform take you through the field for the Queen Mother Champion Chase...

Big Zeb was a convincing winner of this contest in 2010, and his previous chancy jumping seems a thing of the past. His only defeat this season came when mugged late by the well-ridden Golden Silver at Punchestown last time.

Captain Cee Bee's only disappointment as a novice came when breaking a blood vessel in the Arkle here, and he's clearly fragile. He ran as well as ever on his return, but has questions to answer after finishing a well-beaten fourth to Big Zeb in December.

Cornas returned to his very best when winning a handicap at Sandown in January from Tchico Polos, but he has regularly been found wanting in graded company and jumped poorly when well held in the Game Spirit last month.

French Opera enjoyed a fine second season over fences, winning four of his five starts, and was back to his best when a gritty winner of the Game Spirit from Tchico Polos last time, jumping more fluently than can be the case.

Golden Silver has won four Grade 2 contests this season, claiming the notable scalp of Big Zeb at Punchestown in January under an inspired Paul Townend ride. He hasn't been at his best here in the past, but still can't be written off.

I'm So Lucky is a strong-travelling sort who won the Celebration Chase at Sandown in April. He was outclassed behind Master Minded in the Tingle Creek and Victor Chandler Chase this season, and is now tried in blinkers.

Mad Max is a huge gelding who reversed Arkle form by beating Somersby at Aintree last season, but has been plagued by breathing problems, and he has been tubed since a 20-length third to Master Minded at Ascot in January.

Master Minded is a dual Champion Chase winner who looks to have put last season's problems behind him, winning all three starts this term, the latest by a short head from Somersby. He is much respected in his bid to regain the crown.

Sizing Europe impressed with how he travelled when beating Somersby in the Arkle here last year, and is entitled to improve on his 7½-length third to Golden Silver on his return to 2m at Punchestown last time.

Somersby made a bright start over fences last season , finishing ¾-length second to Sizing Europe in the Arkle. He put in a top-class effort and again did his best work late when a short head behind Master Minded at Ascot in January.

Woolcombe Folly's sole defeat in the last three seasons came in last year's Arkle, and he has gone on improving this winter, winning both starts in handicaps. He steps up in class here but fully deserves his place at top table.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Master Minded
2. Woolcombe Folly
3. Big Zeb

Timeform View: Master Minded is hardly an original selection, but he's undefeated this season and should make a bold bid to regain his title. Big Zeb is an obvious threat, but it's possible that stable-companion Woolcombe Folly will push him closest.

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