Well Chief takes on Master Minded in Sunday's Connaught Chase at Cheltenham.

He is without doubt one of the best two-milers never to have worn the Champion Chase crown.

He finished second in March on his first start for nigh on two years, but fell as the even-money favourite for the Queen Mother in 2007.

The David Pipe-trained 10-year-old was also second to Moscow Flyer in 2005, having won the Arkle 12 months previously.

His jockey Timmy Murphy said: "He has been back in a long time and has done plenty of work.

"He certainly hasn't lost any of his jumping ability when he has schooled either.

"It's hard to say what will happen on Sunday. Master Minded is an outstanding horse, but Well Chief is fit and well and he has to take on the best.

"We're hoping for a good run."

Owner David Johnson added: "He's very, very well - he acts around Cheltenham.

"I know he fell in the Queen Mother a while back, but by and large he's a pretty safe conveyance there.

"He's been swimming a lot, David (Pipe) has got him spot-on.

"I know people are making a bit out of the fact we get 10lb but the fact of the matter is that we are rated 163 and Master Minded is 178.

"We are 15lb the wrong way and we are only getting 10lb.

"Strictly on the book, we are 5lb wrong but I think Master Minded will know he's had a race on Sunday.

"We expect him to run a big race and it is a fair comment to say if we can't beat him getting 10lb how can we do it off levels in March.

"Master Minded has the crown and is the one we have to beat, I'm sure Paul will have him pretty straight or he wouldn't be running him.

"If we get beat, it won't be through lack of fitness."