It remains highly likely that temperamental chaser Twist Magic will take his chance in the Tingle Creek at Sandown before he bids for glory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.

Paul Nicholls’ eight-year-old put up a fantastic performance on his seasonal reappearance two weeks ago, carrying top weight and finishing second in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.

Many will question the decision to return to Cheltenham in March, however, co-owner Barry Fulton was quick to explain after his return to action: "I've been told by lots of people he doesn't go left-handed, but Cheltenham is definitely not off the agenda.

"Other than the Festival, there's not a lot else for him at that time of the year, so it fits in well. We're still living on the memory of the Arkle when he travelled so well before falling.

"You can't say he doesn't handle Cheltenham, it's just he hasn't run very well there for quite a long time."

Twist Magic looks set to return to defend his titles in the Tingle Creek at Sandown in December and the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot in the New Year.

Speaking after his comeback Fulton added: "I would think there's more improvement to come as he ought to be peaking as an eight-year-old. Exeter will put him spot-on for the Sandown race, which should be as competitive as ever.

"After Sandown I imagine he would follow a similar route to last year as we will probably run him in the Victor Chandler at Ascot again. There's also the option of stepping him up to two and a half miles, possibly in Ireland or at Aintree."