Paul Nicholls admits Master Minded is still a relatively inexperienced horse – despite being crowned the champion chaser at Cheltenham in March.

The exciting five-year-old looks to add to his legacy in the Seasons Holidays Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown but needs to put a sizeable reverse against Voy Por Ustedes at Aintree behind him.

Over the minimum distance, though, Master Minded sets a fearsome standard and the fact that he has only had five runs over fences in this country could mean that there is even more improvement in him.

"Everything has gone well at home," said Ditcheat trainer Nicholls, whose charge will be ridden for the first time by Tony McCoy.

"People forget that Master Minded is still only five. He's only had five runs over fences so he's relatively inexperienced.

"It's his first run since Aintree in April but he's straight, there are no fitness worries. If he runs up to his best he has a big chance."

Nicholls also runs last year's winner Twist Magic and Takeroc.

He went on: "Twist Magic won this race last year and seemed to really like the track and the more it dries up the better for him."

Master Minded is likely to face his sternest opposition on Saturday from Tidal Bay, a 13-length winner of the Arkle in March and who followed up at Aintree.

Nicholls went on: "It's always exciting when the Arkle winner steps up to take on the big guns. I hope I've got a bit of a line through Tidal Bay with Takeroc who was behind him at Aintree."

Connections of the Howard Johnson-trained Tidal Bay are looking forward to what promises to be his acid test.

Owner Graham Wylie said: "We're looking forward to it. We are trying to find out what is his (best) distance.

"This will be his first race outside of novice company and Howard says we may as well go to the Tingle Creek and see how he gets on with the good two-milers.

"If he can match it with them then we know he's a two-mile horse. If he's well-beaten we'll step him up in trip.

"Master Minded is the best horse in the country, so this is a fact-finding mission for us. We are going to see how he gets on and after tomorrow's race we'll decide where to take him next.

"Tidal Bay is a very good horse. He's got plenty of speed and stamina and I think the trip and distance should suit tomorrow.

"The key is how he jumps the Railway Fences down the back. If he jumps them well he's got a good chance. If he makes a mess of them then that probably would be that."