Leading Queen Mother Champion Chase contender Tataniano will have his first run since November at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

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Legendary trainer Paul Nicholls looks set to launch the chaser in at the deep end as he prepares the horse for a clash with the likes of stablemate Master Minded and Irish raider Big Zeb in the Champion Chase.

Tataniano (14/1, Paddy Power) could only manage third to Gauvain in a conditions chase at Cheltenham in November, but he had previously cruised to success in the Maghull Novices' Chase at last year’s Aintree Grand National meeting.

There was talk of the star taking his chance in the totepool Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on Saturday but Nicholls will rely on Woolcombe Folly and Tchico Polos as he prepares the two for their respective Festival targets.

"Tataniano had a little setback and wasn't going to be ready for the Game Spirit," Nicholls explained.

"Hopefully he'll go straight to the Queen Mother now."

Master Minded remains the 9/4 favourite with Paddy Power for the 2011 Sportingbet.com Queen Mother Champion Chase and the superstar will be looking to regain his crown after winning the race in 2008 and 2009. 

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