Master Minded treated racegoers to a thrilling performance at the Cheltenham Festival and he is set to make his long-awaited return in the Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown.

The five-year-old annihilated his rivals last March and although he suffered a reverse at Aintree just a few weeks later, Paul Nicholls' charge remains one of the brightest stars in the jumping ranks.

If Master Minded were to open with a win in Esher, he would be adding his name to an illustrious roll of honour which includes the likes of the late Desert Orchid, who claimed the prize in 1988.

Moscow Flyer's electrifying defeat of Azertyuiop and Well Chief four years ago was his second success in the two-mile affair, while the incredible Kauto Star lit up the track in 2005 and 2006.

Nicholls prevailed with Twist Magic last year and he will be hoping Master Minded can maintain his stranglehold on the race.

While the Tingle Creek undoubtedly provides the highlight on a cracking two-day Sandown card, punters can also look forward to some other intriguing contests.

On the Friday, the Grade Two Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle run over an extended two and a half miles is ably supported by the ever-informative Future Stars Chase.

Saturday's Grade Two Henry VII Novices' Steeple Chase has been won by the likes of Fondmort and Racing Demon in recent years, while the £50,000 December Handicap Hurdle adds further spice in support of the main attraction.

Across the Irish Sea, all eyes will be turned to Punchestown on Sunday, with a top-class line-up virtually guaranteed for the John Durkan Memorial Chase.

War Of Attrition, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2006, has enjoyed a dream comeback so far, returning from a long injury lay-off to win both his starts.

Mouse Morris' star is set to face the acid test in this event though as he steps back up to Grade One level for the first time.

Closer to home, the action is pretty low key but the Borders National is a good draw at Kelso.

Fixtures (flat in capitals). Monday: Fakenham, Folkestone, WOLVERHAMPTON

Tuesday: Hereford, LINGFIELD, SOUTHWELL

Wednesday: Ayr, Catterick, KEMPTON (evening), Plumpton

Thursday: GREAT LEIGHS (evening), Leicester, Market Rasen, Wincanton

Friday: Exeter, LINGFIELD, Sandown, WOLVERHAMPTON (evening)

Saturday: Chepstow, GREAT LEIGHS, Sandown (CH4), Wetherby (CH4), WOLVERHAMPTON (evening)

Sunday: Kelso, LINGFIELD, Warwick.

For racecards for all of these meetings, get your copy of the Western Daily Press.