Master Minded is considered to be the banker for many in today's Queen Mother Champion Chase, but for me he is too short a price and Big Zeb appeals as the each-way value.
Colm Murphy's charge would have beaten Paul Nicholls' star at Punchestown but for ploughing through the last fence and looks overpriced at 10-1.
He disappointed in behind Twist Magic in the Tingle Creek but there were valid excuses that day and he bounced back to form last time out when winning impressively at Punchestown.
His only flaw is that he tends to clout the odd fence, but if Barry Geraghty can get him into a rhythm and jumping fluently he has to be bang there at the business end of affairs.
1.30pm: Massasoit - Paul Nicholls' charge is a highly talented but quirky customer and this testing four miles could possibly be the key to him. He travelled far more fluently when fitted with blinkers and it's interesting that connections have put them back on today. At around 8-1 he looks a bit of each-way value.
2.05pm: Rite Of Passage - I have been very impressed with the horses two facile successes over hurdles and think it will take something very smart to lower his colours. He was a good thrid in last year's Champion Bumper, has an excellent turn of foot and the good ground will suit. Quel Espirt looks the obvious danger.
2.40pm: Long Run - I am a huge fan of this horse, who is till only five and could be something really special. He has shown he has a huge engine in his two victories since joining Nicky Henderson, and despite some worries about his jumping I cannot find any real reason to oppose him.
3.20pm: Big Zeb (each-way) - Master Minded is obviously the one they all have to beat in his bid to land the hat-trick, but at odds-on I think he represents no value. Colm Murphy's Big Zeb is very talented on his day, and if his jumping holds up could be the one to cause an upset. He looks the each-way value at 10-1.
4.00pm: Quantatitiveeasing - Nicky Henderson is a man to be feared when sending novices down the handicap route, and this one could be potentially very well treated. His form looks rock solid and with AP in the saddle he must take all the beating in a wide open contest.
4.40pm: Hunterview - I have always thought that this horse will be seen to much better effect on good ground, and he could be well handicapped if that proves to be the case. There is no one better than David Pipe at getting one ready for a race like this, and he looks better value than his stable compaion Notus De La Tour who may prefer a bit of give underfoot.
5.15pm: Frawley - In all the Cheltenham preview nights i did this was the one horse that kept popping up on everyone's lips. John Kieley is a very shrewd trainer and apparently rates Frawley very highly and is expecting a huge run. He could be a bit of each-way value in a trappy contest
