PAUL Nicholls suffered a shock reverse with Kauto Star at Kempton last week, but Master Minded can get the show back on the road at Ascot.

The Ditcheat handler’s runners just do not seem to be firing on all cylinders at the moment, but nevertheless Master Minded is rightly a short price in the Victor Chandler Chase.

The eight-year-old endured a very average campaign last term but has bounced back to his best after a breathing operation during the summer.

His 16-length demolition job on his seasonal bow at Ascot was most impressive, while he proved his Grade One credentials once again when landing the rearranged Tingle Creek at Cheltenham by eight lengths.

Five of his Ascot rivals were behind him that day and given that they race off level weights again, there is no reason to suggest any of them can reverse the form.

Although there is a slight question mark over the wellbeing of Nicholls’ string, it would be folly to oppose Master Minded.

Nicky Henderson is snapping at Nicholls’ heels in the race for the trainers’ championship and Carole’s Legacy can keep the Seven Barrow team’s momentum going in the 1942 Was A Vintage Year Mares’ Hurdle.

This game seven-year-old seems equally as good over fences as hurdles but she will thrive on a return to smaller obstacles and her own sex.

At Haydock, all eyes will be on Peddlers Cross as he stanjames.

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Donald McCain’s star proved his mettle with victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle on his return, when subsequent Christmas Hurdle victor Binocular was left toiling back in third.

While the reigning champion may not have been quite on his game that day, there can be little argument with Peddlers Cross’ length-and-aquarter verdict.

McCain expected him to improve again for the run and having proved himself out of novice company, Peddlers Cross can secure his Cheltenham ticket.

The Cheshire handler should also be on the mark with Wymott in the Liverpool Echo Novices’ Chase.

After a clear-cut debut success over fences, he made hard work of it next time up at Exeter on a day when conditions were not the best.

Given that fact, Wymott is worth the benefit of the doubt.

Maktu proved a disappointing favourite in the Welsh National a couple of weeks ago but he can make amends in the Peter Marsh Chase.

Pat Murphy had laid him out for the Chepstow marathon but he put paid to his chances by running far too keenly early on, paying the price later in the race.

Murphy felt he perhaps just needed that run to take the edge of him and Maktu should certainly be a little less fresh this time.

He finished a head behind the well-fancied King Fontaine over this course and distance earlier in the season but he was conceding 5lb that day and is actually getting 6lb now. Maktu can reverse that form.

Fit To Drive was a tenlength winner at Sandown last time and can follow up in the Bathwick Tyres Handicap Chase at Wincanton.

Things did not pan out for Five Star Junior last time so trainer Linda Stubbs will be hoping for better in the View Our 2011 Fixtures At lingfieldpark.co.uk Handicap at the Surrey venue