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Top-class chaser Master Minded is after another Grade 1 win in the VC Chase. Can any domestic two-miler hold a torch to him? Timeform's Gregg Taylor assesses the contenders...

The inaugural running of the Victor Chandler Chase in 1989 was rather fittingly won by the mighty Desert Orchid. Since him many other famous chasers have added their names to the roll of honour, with Waterloo Boy, Martha's Son, Isio and Well Chief all tasting success in the two-mile affair. Three horses have won this race (now registered as the Clarence House Chase) and the Champion Chase in the same season - Viking Flagship, Call Equiname and Master Minded.

Master Minded (1.62) has seemingly returned to his best in winning both outings this season and, as a result, he tops the ratings by some 20 lb. The dual Champion Chase winner has looked a different proposition to last term, when suffering from a cracked rib, jumping superbly for both victories and taking the transferred Tingle Creek at Cheltenham last month with considerable authority from Petit Robin. Master Minded will be bidding to become the first ever dual winner of the Victor Chandler.

Master Minded's trainer Paul Nicholls could also saddle Tchicos Polos (27.0). Tchico Polos, who ran some good races in defeat in his novice campaign, made a successful return in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, keeping on well to see off his stable-companion Twist Magic and Somersby. He showed himself none the worse for his fall in the Paddy Power when posting a career-best effort to chase home Cornas in a handicap at Sandown last time.

Petit Robin (11.5) is one of five horses who are set to renew rivalry with Master Minded from the Tingle Creek. Nicky Henderson's eight-year-old had been a winner first time out for the previous two seasons but was certainly not discredited in finishing runner-up on his reappearance this time around. He raced clear with I'm So Lucky (38.0) for much of the way and found plenty after being sent on four out. Similar tactics could see Petit Robin run well again here, though he will have to jump better then when chasing home Twist Magic twelve months ago.

Last year's Arkle runner-up Somersby (9.6) still looks a horse of potential after finishing third on both appearances this term. He shaped with much more encouragement than on his return when keeping on strongly up the hill after a mistake five out to get to within half a length of Petit Robin. However, he once again shaped as though crying out for a return to further and will surely be better suited by the Betfair Ascot Chase next month.

Gauvain (17.0) wasn't in the same form as when showing marked improvement to defeat Forpadydeplasterer in a minor event at the Open Meeting on his first start for present connections. Nick Williams's runners have been shaping of late as though affected by the recent cold snap more than most, however, and he could easily bounce back to his best. Kalahari King has yet to hit top form this season and was never really in the hunt after being held up. He's run well at the Cheltenham Festival for the last two years and will presumably be brought to a peak again for that, making a more prominent show here unlikely.

Along with Petit Robin, Nicky Henderson could also be represented by French Opera and Mad Max. French Opera (27.0) had only Tataniano to look up to in the novice division last season and he gained compensation for a fine second in the Grand Annual with a victory over Tchico Polos in the Future Novices' at Ayr in the spring. However, he finished well held on his return, and the suspicion is that he'll need further than two miles to mix it with the best. Mad Max (18.5) defeated Somersby in a Grade 2 novice at Aintree last year, but weak finishes on both outings this season are a little perturbing for a horse who has already had multiple wind operations.

The Emma Lavelle-trained Crack Away Jack (18.5) adds further spice to the contest. The 2009 Champion Hurdle fourth made a facile transition to the larger obstacles in a small-field novice at Sandown last November. He went on to chase home Somersby in a Grade 2 novice at the same venue before not being unduly punished when upped in grade to face Petit Robin and co in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton. He missed the remainder of the campaign after reportedly having heat in his leg and will have to display a more polished round of jumping to be competitive on his return.

In short, Master Minded has looked back to his imperious best with facile victories on both his appearances this season and is likely to take all the beating if turning up in the same vein. Gauvain looks the value to chase him home.

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