Champion Chase Preview

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is the premier race for 2m Chasers featuring returning champ’ and white hot favourite Master Minded.  His only credible opponent, Voy Por Ustedes, runs in the Ryanair Chase - seemingly suited to a longer trip these days.

There is only one reason to oppose Master Minded in this year’s Champion Chase - his price.  He is a best priced 1-3 with Boylesports.

10 of the last 11 winners of the Champion Chase had won a Grade 1 or Grade 2 chase in the same season which puts a line through most of this years candidates.

Master Minded defied history by turning last years race into a procession as a 5 year old and excluding that result 10 of the last 11 winners were aged 6-10.  Moscow Flyer the fly in the ointment - what a shame there isnt a rival of that calibre to take on Master Minded this year.

Favourite backers beware though - 3 of the last 5 favourites of the Queen Mother Champion Chase have fallen or unseated rider; Well Chief in 2007 (Evens), Kauto Star in 2006 (2-1) and Moscow Flyer in 2004 (5-6) proving no horse is infallible.  Infact Master Minded demonstrated his fragility with a sketchy display of jumping at Aintree and we advise you to temper stakes on the favourite or look for a benefactor if Master Minded fails to complete the race.

Our advice is a speculative punt on Big Zeb at 10-1 with Paddy Power for small stakes.