Master making hat-trick bid

Master Minded will face a maximum 23 rivals at the Cheltenham Festival as he chase a third victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Paul Nicholls' brilliant chaser is looking to become only the second horse after Badsworth Boy in 1983-85 to win the race three times should he defend his title on March 17.

The seven-year-old does have his problems this year though as he has been sidelined with a broken rib since suffering a shock defeat at Cheltenham in November.

Master Minded is one of five entries from the power-packed Nicholls yard along with Free World, I'msingingtheblues, Takeroc and Twist Magic.

A strong Irish entry of seven includes the 2009 Arkle Trophy victor Forpadydeplasterer, Big Zeb, 2006 hero Newmill and Tranquil Sea, winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

Europe challenge

Smart Irish novice chaser Sizing Europe has also been given an entry while Well Chief, twice runner-up in the Champion Chase, has been entered by David Pipe.

Voy Por Ustedes could bid to repeat his 2007 victory in this race or bid to go one better in the Ryanair Chase than he did 12 months ago.

Trainer Alan King has yet to decide which race to aim at with the nine-year-old, who was sixth in the Lexus Chase over three miles at Leopardstown on his latest start.

"Voy Por Ustedes came back A1 from his run in Ireland and in all likelihood will go to the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury next month," said King. "We will have a look at our options based on what he does there.

"We have given him entries in both the Champion Chase and the Ryanair Chase, so at this stage he could go for either race."

King has also entered Oh Crick, winner of the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase at last year's Festival, in the two-mile feature.

"Oh Crick had a fantastic time last spring and we have given him an entry in the Champion Chase," the Barbury Castle handler went on.

"He may run in one of those bumper races at Kempton this weekend and then go to Ascot for the Victor Chandler Chase. We will take a view after that.

"I would be surprised if he is a Queen Mother horse but the stage of the season we are at, we just thought he was due an entry."