Best Mate could get extra race

Best Mate’s trainer, Henrietta Knight, and owner, Jim Lewis, are set to meet on Thursday to map out next season’s campaign for the triple totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winner.

Miss Knight’s champion has had just two races before his last two Gold Cup victories but she told the Racing Post: “I am seeing Jim on Thursday and we will discuss everything, but there is no reason why he should not have three runs before Cheltenham.”

However, the Wantage trainer has all but ruled out a new £150,000 (€224,482) three-mile chase at Aintree in November.

She added: “I would not say the Mildmay course was ideal as it’s very quick. The prize money sounds good but the well-being of the horse is more important.

“We won’t be going to Huntingdon (for the Peterborough Chase) because it’s too short and sharp for him.”

Best Mate ran three times in the season before winning his first Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2002.