Trainer Ferdy Murphy has admitted he is trying to concentrate on Kalahari King and not his potential opposition ahead of next month’s Queen Mother Champion Chase.

After finishing runner-up in last year’s Arkle Trophy, the superstar made a fantastic return to the racecourse this month when he gave weight and a beating to some top class horses in the Blue Square Handicap Chase.

Now his trainer is hoping he can go one better than last year and taste Festival success in the Champion Chase, a race that looks particularly daunting after Master Minded’s incredible return at Newbury on Saturday.

"It's up to us to train our horse. Obviously we watched the Master Minded race (at Newbury on Saturday), as you look at the opposition, and he was very impressive," said Murphy.

"After Doncaster I thought Twist Magic would be the big danger, but not after Saturday.

"Our lad has come out of his race great and I couldn't be happier with him, so it's just matter of keeping him ticking over and getting him to Cheltenham in the best order we can.

"I just hope we get a bit of good ground as that would be a big plus for us."

Get a free £25 bet on this year’s Cheltenham Festival with Ladbrokes.

Queen Mother Champion Chase - Ladbrokes
2m, Cheltenham March 2010
4/5 Master Minded, 6 Kalahari King, 6 Twist Magic, 8 Big Zeb, 16 Free World, 16 Petit Robin, 20 Barker, 20 Golden Silver, 33 Well Chief, 33 Voy Por Ustedes, 33 Sizing Europe, 33 Tranquil Sea, 40 Oh Crick, 50 Cornas,  others on request (1/4 odds 1,2,3)