CHAMPION Chase hero Master Minded is the 4-6 favourite to make a winning reappearance in the Seasons Holidays Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday following confirmation that Tony McCoy will be in the saddle.

The champion jockey will get the leg up on the highestrated National Hunt horse in training at the weekend in preference to Sam Thomas, who is currently the number one rider for trainer Paul Nicholls with stable jockey Ruby Walsh sidelined through injury.

Thomas has come in for some criticism of late after the high-profile defeats of Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase and Big Buck’s in the Hennessy Gold Cup, both of whom unshipped Thomas at the final fence.

Thomas suffered another wretched day on Monday, when his two mounts at Folkestone both failed to complete and owner Clive Smith believes it is important he regains his confidence before returning to ride at the highest level.

‘‘Tony McCoy will ride Master Minded. Obviously it was a tough decision, but I think it is the right one,’’ said Smith.

‘‘I think it is right for Sam as we need to get him right.

He is obviously having a bad time at the moment but he will get his confidence back.

‘‘We are also doing the right thing by the horse as he is a young horse with great talent.

‘‘We had a great day with Sam when he rode Kauto to win the Betfair Chase last season and that was a great ride.

‘‘Tony has ridden for me in the past, including when he rode Royal Auclair to win the Cathcart at Cheltenham and on Free World last month.’’ Nicky Henderson is unlikely to let Jack The Giant take his chance due to the likely soft conditions.

The six-year-old has won five of his seven starts over fences and made a hugely impressive return to action at Ascot two weeks ago.

Henderson, fresh from a four-timer at Newbury last weekend, is looking to step his charge up in grade but may elect to wait for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day rather than let him take on the likes over Master Minded at the weekend.

‘‘The main thing with Jack The Giant is that he has to have good ground so we are keeping a very close eye on the weather,’’ said Henderson.

‘‘I would have to say that it looks unlikely at this stage as there is no great rush with him and the ground is important.

‘‘We would seriously be thinking about the King George for him. I’m not confident he’ll get the three miles but if you don’t run you’ll never find out.

‘‘We have always thought two and a half would be comfortable for him and if we’re thinking of the Ryanair Chase for him, we must try and find out about trip.

‘‘I also think the chances of getting good ground at Kempton are more possible than Sandown.

‘‘If it did come up good ground at the weekend it would be possible he would run but it looks unlikely.’’ Henderson also has smart mare My Petra engaged in the Grade One contest, but the ground will also be the deciding factor in whether she will line up.

‘‘My Petra is very much a good ground mare so it is a case of watch and wait with her,’’ Henderson continued.

‘‘I spoke to Sandown’s clerk of the course Andrew Cooper on Monday and he said it was good to soft, soft in places and that is too soft for both horses.’’ Freewheeling German raider Fiepes Shuffle has been cut to 50-1 from 100-1 by Victor Chandler following news he will return to Sandown, having finished third in the Celebration Chase back in April.

‘‘He’s in very good form and has now won 15 races for us,’’ said trainer Christian Von De Recke.

‘‘He won at Baden-Baden recently on his comeback and the plan has been to aim for the big English and French races.

‘‘He’s the fastest two-miler I have ever trained. He’s possibly a bit short of class but we are hopeful of picking up some nice prize money.

‘‘He does love Sandown and always runs better in small fields. Jamie Moore will ride him again as he got on well with him last time at Sandown.’’ Tingle Creek betting:4-6 Master Minded, 2-1 Tidal Bay, 8-1 Takeroc, 12-1 Twist Magic, 20-1 My Petra, 33-1 Mahogany Blaze, Natal, Schindlers Hunt, 40-1 bar.