Timeform Weekend Review: Master Minded strengthens Cheltenham position after Sandown win

Weekend Review / Timeform / 08 December 2008 / Leave a Comment

Timeform report back on a good weekend for Paul Nicholls...

The Tingle Creek was the showpiece race of Sandown's two-day card over Friday and Saturday, and Master Minded looks set to remain very hard to beat in the top two mile chases following a perfectly satisfactory return when beating Tidal Bay by 10 lengths, with Takeroc a further two-and-a-half lengths back in third.

Master Minded was always going comfortably, despite the loose horse Fieppes Shuffle providing some anxious moments, and had plenty in hand at the finish having been left clear by Twist Magic's departure two out.

Elsewhere on the card, AP McCoy provided further proof (should any be needed) that he remains at the peak of his considerable powers when riding a four-timer for the second successive Saturday. Aside from partnering Master Minded, his wins included victories on Clay Hollister and Sunnyhillboy, both for owner JP McManus, as well as partnering Kilbeggan Blade to his second London National success.

Up at Wetherby, Punjabi narrowly clinched the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle from Sublimity, the race having developed into a sprint from the home turn. The winner is reportedly hard to get fit, so he should come on for this run and granted a stronger pace can further better his Champion Hurdle claims in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, his next reported target.

Over in Ireland there was action from Navan on Saturday. Zaarito, off nearly nine months since his third in last seasons Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, narrowly failed to make a winning debut when runner-up in the maiden hurdle. He should not be long in going one better.

Meanwhile, Made in Taipan jumped with both speed and accuracy to beat Follow the Plan by two-and-a-half lengths and take his record to two from two in novice chases. This was an impressive effort and marks him down as the one to beat in the Durkan New Homes Novice Chase at Leopardstown later this month.

Sunday saw Punchestown's card called off due to frost; however the meeting has now been rescheduled to take place on Tuesday, where Sam Thomas will make the journey over to partner joint-favourite Noland.