Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 15 November 2009 / Leave a comment

A mouthwatering clash between the first and second in last season's Champion Chase, Master Minded and Well Chief. The latter is 10 lbs better off with Paul Nicholls' charge compared to when beaten seven lengths by him in that contest and is taken to exact revenge this time. Newmill is the pick of the remainder.

"Well Chief ([3.1]) has been plagued with problems during the past four or so years but there is no doubting his class. He ran a blinder on his first run for almost two years when runner-up to Master Minded in the Champion Chase here in March."

Master Minded (current Betfair odds - [1.63]) is a top two-mile chaser who retained his Champion Chase crown at the Festival in March, beating Well Chief by seven lengths. However, he had to work hard to land the odds at Punchestown a month later, when not at his best.

Kinkeel ([1000.0]) is well out of his depth.

Mahogany Blaze ([[21.0]) failed to score in seven starts last term but invariably mixed it with the best in this division. He produced a fair effort when fourth to Planet of Sound on his return at Exeter, but is likely to struggle here.

Newmill ([19.0]) won the Champion Chase in 2006 when at the zenith of his powers. He has largely struggled at the highest level since, but produced a solid effort on his return at Cork last month when runner-up to Keys Pride.

Well Chief ([3.1]) has been plagued with problems during the past four or so years but there is no doubting his class. He ran a blinder on his first run for almost two years when runner-up to Master Minded in the Champion Chase here in March.

William Butler's ([60.0]) form took off over fences on joining his current yard early last season, winning four on the bounce. He was well held over hurdles on his first start for almost 13 months at Ffos Las time. Outclassed.

Tags: Cheltenham, Connaught Chase, Kinkeel, Mahogany Blaze, Master Minded, Newmill, Well Chief, William Butler