Zeb in good shape ahead of Queen Mother

Big Zeb is reportedly in fine shape ahead of his bid to regain the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The Colm Murphy-trained 11-year-old took the Cheltenham two-mile crown in 2010, but had to settle for second place behind Sizing Europe 12 months ago.

Last year's winner also beat him in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown four weeks ago.

However, connections expect Big Zeb to be a different proposition when the pair renew rivalry on March 14.

"Everything is good at the moment, I spoke to Colm on Wednesday and he was happy enough with him," said owner Pat Redmond.

"We didn't want him to have a hard race on the ground last time and he'll be a much better horse on the day."