Smith sees Zeb as main Master threat

Clive Smith fears Big Zeb most as Master Minded prepares for the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Wednesday week.

Colm Murphy's stable star won the race 12 months ago, when Master Minded could only finish fourth, and Smith has the utmost respect for the gelding once again.

"Big Zeb is a very talented horse and if the going gets better it will suit Big Zeb more. We'll be doing very well to see him off and beat him, but I hope that we will," he told At The Races.

Somersby, meanwhile, got to within a short head of Master Minded in the Victor Chandler Chase over two miles and a furlong at the Berkshire track in January.

"Somersby is a very talented horse," added Smith.

"I've always liked him, and he is very much a serious contender - though two miles might be a touch on the short side for him.

"But there's no doubt he's got plenty going for him and is a very capable horse.

"We did well to beat him and it was very sticky ground at Ascot that day.

"It will be better ground this time."