Champion Chaser Master Minded has returned to the fences as he gets ready for a return to action in the totepool Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on Saturday week.

After landing the last two renewals of the Queen Mother Champion Chase, the superstar was beaten by fans favourite Well Chief back at Cheltenham in November and his chances of defending his crown in March had looked doubtful.

However, after it became clear the horse was suffering from a fractured rib, the seven-year-old is now cantering again and owner Clive Smith could not be happier.

"I went down last Thursday and all the horses looked very well," said Smith.

"Since then, Master Minded has been schooled over fences and he seems to be going OK. He's coming out a week on Saturday so we're obviously hopeful he'll be OK.

"He wasn't ridden for a month - he did a lot of walking - but now he's back."

Smith also took time out to talk about another one of his horses, Kauto Star and his imminent battle with stablemate and 2008 Gold Cup winner Denman.

"We just hope they're fine until Cheltenham now," he added.

"Kauto is in good shape, and I believe Denman is, so fingers crossed they both get there."

Master Minded remains a 13/8 shot for the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Ladbrokes. Follow this link to their site for information on how to get a free bet on the action.

Queen Mother Champion Chase
2m, Cheltenham March 2010
13/8 Master Minded, 6 Twist Magic, 7 Big Zeb, 8 Forpadydeplasterer, 10 Kalahari King, 16 Free World, 20 Sizing Europe, 20 Barker, 20 Golden Silver, 33 Oh Crick, 33 Well Chief, 33 Cornas, 33 Voy Por Ustedes, 33 Tranquil Sea, 50 Fix The Rib, 50 Cornas, others on request (1/4 odds 1,2,3)