The anticipation for this year’s Festival keeps building as six-day confirmations were revealed for the second day, Wednesday, March 11.

A total of 14 horses go forward in the day’s feature race, the £320,000 Grade One  Queen Mother Champion Chase headed by reigning champion Master Minded, who smashed his rivals with a stunning 19-length victory last year.

The Paul Nicholls trained six year-old, unbeaten this season, is set to be the shortest-priced favourite of the 2009 Festival (2/7 from Coral) his main opposition could be dual Grade One scorer Big Zeb (10/1 from William Hill), one of three Irish-trained entries remaining.

The Nicky Henderson trained Petit Robin (16/1 totesport) may re-oppose Master Minded having finished second to the champion in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot in January.

Andrew Balding has left in Briareus (20/1 from Ladbrokes), who was fourth to another Clive Smith-owned chaser, Kauto Star, on his latest appearance in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Other notable acceptors include the 2006 Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase victor Newmill (100/1 with Bet365), and Punchestown Champion Chase winner Twist Magic (20/1 from William Hill).