Stan James cut Master Minded for the Champion Chase after his impressive reappearance at Ascot earlier today.

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The firm slashed the former Champion Chaser's oddes from 11/2 to 3/1jt fav after a sensational seasonal reappearance.

A delighted Nicholls explained: "He travelled brilliantly and jumped brilliantly - he obviously got the trip really well too.  Noel gave him a fantastic ride - there's a lot of pressure riding these horses and he's doing a great job.

"I'm chuffed to bits, we're back in business.  One day, Clive (Smith) would love to go for the King George and maybe we will next year. His next race will be the Tingle Creek at Sandown, and we'll sit down and discuss what we do next after that.

"He can breathe now and that will have done him the world of good and given him confidence, it was great to see him finish his race like that.  Noel has come in since Ruby has been hurt, you need an experienced jockey and he has done a great job."

Head of PR Charlie McCann explained tp Racingbase: "Master Minded looked to be back to his very best at Ascot and we cut the former Champion Chaser from 11/2 to 3/1 to regain his crown. Having been 11/10 on the winner between 11-12 this morning it was a very poor result for us."