Big Zeb gets green light to tackle Tingle Creek test; Murphy likely to sidestep John Durkan because of testing ground at Punchestown.

Byline: Brian Fleming ; Rodney Masters

BIG ZEB was yesterday given the green light to take his chance in the Keith Prowse Tingle Creek Chase on Saturday week, ground conditions permitting, according to trainer Colm Murphy.

"The way the ground is here in Ireland, the John Durkan Memorial is looking more and more unlikely, as I wouldn't want to tear the guts out of him in really testing ground over two and a half miles, so we probably won't go to Punchestown," said the County Wexford trainer. "If we go anywhere, we'll go to Sandown as long as the ground is okay."

Murphy added: "I was happy with him last time at Navan. He had a good school around and, touch wood, we've had a good run with him since.

"He would have your heart in your mouth when he runs but, hopefully, we'll get him to Sandown in one piece, as long as the conditions suit. I presume Barry Geraghty will ride and he knows him very well."

The absence of Champion Chase winner Master Minded from the Sandown showpiece means Big Zeb would be likely to start favourite.

"It's a blow to connections of Master Minded and I know what it's like for them but, hopefully, we'll continue on the right track with our fellow," added Murphy.

Stan James opened a market yesterday on the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase without Master Minded following news that the dual winner is to undergo a bone scan in Newmarket tomorrow. They make Big Zeb 5-2 favourite, followed by Well Chief at 9-2. Master Minded is a top-priced 5-2 for the Champion Chase with Coral, having been a general 11-10 shot before being beaten on his return at Cheltenham.

Nicholls announced on Monday night that Master Minded will miss the Tingle Creek. Big Zeb is 6-4 for the Sandown feature with Betfair, followed by Well Chief at 5-2. David Pipe reported yesterday that Well Chief was on target, despite picking up a cut to the inside of a front leg when beating Master Minded at Cheltenham.

Pipe said: "Well Chief still has staples in his cut, but he is fine otherwise and on course for the Tingle Creek. Touch wood, we can keep him right all the way to the Champion Chase in March. Master Minded's hold-up just goes to show what a difficult game this can be.

"I hope he recovers quickly, as we're really looking forward to taking him on again. It would be great for racing if he and Well Chief were both fit and ready to go for another meeting at the festival."

2010 Champion Chase without Master Minded Stan James: 5-2 Big Zeb, 9-2 Well Chief, 7 Kalahari King, 10 Forpadydeplasterer, Planet Of Sound, 12 Voy Por Ustedes, Barker, Schindlers Hunt, 20 bar.