• Cheltenham Festival

Big guns lead Queen Mother entries

Big Zeb surprised Master Minded last year © Getty Images

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Big Zeb and and Master Minded headline the 11 entries for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Paul Nicholls' Master Minded will have his chance for revenge when the pair go head-to-head on March 16 after Big Zeb stunned the favourite and two-time defending champion last year.

The eight-year-old finished a disappointing fourth, but with three victories this season is on fine form.

Other contenders for the two-mile race include the Irish challengers Captain Cee Bee and Golden Silver.

Somersby has been named at the six-day stage, but could be switched to the Ryanair Chase the following day if the ground quickens.

The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle has lost some of its spice with the news unbeaten hurdler Our Girl Salley will miss the race.

Willie Mullins' Quevega has looked peerless against her own sex, winning the race for the past couple of years, but she was expected to face a stern test from Our Girl Salley. However, trainer Prunella Dobbs has revealed her stable star scoped badly this week and will not make the trip to Cheltenham.

"She scoped badly after exercise this morning and we cannot send her to Cheltenham," Dobbs told the Racing Post. "It's very disappointing as we'd hoped she'd run a big race.

"We'll freshen her up and see what races there are for her at Fairyhouse next month and Punchestown in May."

Our Girl Salley is unbeaten in her five outings, winning two bumpers and three hurdles.

Meanwhile, Time For Rupert and Mikael D'haguenet lead 16 entries for Wednesday's RSA Chase.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.