Mate faces 15-strong challenge

Best Mate will face 15 rivals tomorrow as he bids to become the first horse since L’Escargot to win successive Tote Cheltenham Gold Cups.

Henrietta Knight’s star will be joined by stablemate Chives.

All the main contenders stood their ground at the overnight stage with exciting novice Beef Or Salmon forming a strong challenge from Ireland, which also includes last year’s runner-up Commanche Court, as well as Colonel Braxton and Harbour Pilot.

Peter Beaumont’s Hussard Collonges, winner of the Royal & SunAlliance Chase here last year, will be a big danger to all, as will be Paul Nicholls’ See More Business, who may be in the veteran stage but who has looked as good as ever this season.

Marlborough, just beaten by Best Mate in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, renews rivalry, while Nicholls has also declared Aon Chase winner Valley Henry.

Keen Leader, who runs this afternoon, has been left in the blue riband by Jonjo O’Neill.