Big Zeb to take on Master Minded at Cheltenham

Master Minded is likely to face a small field in defence of his Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase title at Cheltenham as only 19 rivals remain after the latest forfeit stage.

Paul Nicholls' six-year-old superstar slammed former champion Voy Por Ustedes last year and appears to have scared off most of the credible opposition.

However, one trainer still willing to take him on is Colm Murphy with Big Zeb.

Having won the Grade One Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas on his seasonal bow he was travelling ominously well behind Mansony when he tipped up at Punchestown last time.

"He's still in the Queen Mother and the Ryanair Chase, but he is more than likely going for the Queen Mother and at the moment, that's the preference," said Murphy.

"He seems fine and there's not a bother. He's good again now. He seemed to be comfortable enough at Punchestown, but it's hard to say much. I was quite happy until he fell."

Voy Por Ustedes still holds an entry but the Ryanair has already been stated as his preferred race which is also the case for Howard Johnson's Arkle winner Tidal Bay.

Former champion Newmill is a possible while David Pipe's fragile but brilliant Well Chief is due to have his first start since April 2007 in the contest.

Ashley Brook, Briareus, Petit Robin, Thyne Again and Twist Magic are among the other entries.