David Pipe believes Well Chief could be the horse to trouble Master Minded in the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase should the old warrior return to his best.

The Cheltenham event on March 11 will provide the 10-year-old with the opportunity to make his first racecourse appearance since April 2007, when he finished third behind Monet's Garden at Aintree.

Well Chief has raced against the likes of top two-mile chasers Azertyuiop and Moscow Flyer, and he finished runner-up to the latter in the 2005 Champion Chase.

He is rated a 20-1 chance with William Hill to dethrone 1-2 favourite Master Minded on his second comeback from injury.

Pipe said: "His owner saw him canter this morning and he is on the road back.

"He has a big hill to climb but we are getting there - he is cantering and swimming.

"He will be OK until we give him any fast work and has been living in the swimming pool.

"I don't see any reason why he won't retain his ability but it is his second try back from injury.

"He is in very good form and is one of the best I am ever likely to get hold of.

"There are two big ifs, but if we get him back and if he retains his ability, then he could be the one to give Master Minded something to think about."

Ryanair Chase winner Our Vic is currently enjoying a short holiday as connections eye a repeat win in the totesport Bowl at Aintree, in which he claimed the scalp of Kauto Star last April.

Pipe added: "He was 10 years old last year but you could argue it was his best-ever season winning at Aintree and winning the Ryanair.

"He disappointed in the King George and is on a break now. We hope to get him back for Aintree and we will look forward to trying to win the race again."

Victor Chandler Chase winner Tamarinbleu could skip Cheltenham in favour of Aintree, where he finished in the wake of Master Minded and Voy Por Ustedes in 2008.

"He hasn't ever won any prize money in March so we may miss Cheltenham and go to Aintree," said Pipe.

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