GROUNDS FOR CHELTENHAM BUSINESS DATE

The likelihood of soft ground has boosted the chances of See More Business having his prep race for the Tote Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The 10-year-old will try and put his King George VI Chase flop behind him in the Pillar Property Chase.

The 1999 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner could only finish fifth behind First Gold when 6-4 favourite for the Kempton showpiece last time.

See More Business has options in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 4 and the Aon Chase at Newbury six days` later.

However, with soft ground likely at Cheltenham connections, including part-owner Robert Ogden, to favour Cheltenham, with Ogden`s other entry Marlborough likely to go for the Aon Chase instead.

See More Business` trainer Paul Nicholls said: 'The plan is for him to run on Saturday.

'He`s fine, no problems. The track and ground should suit him so hopefully he`ll run well.'

Marlborough, an impressive winner at Cheltenham on his seasonal debut last month, was among the 12 entries made today for the Grade Two contest.

But Nicky Henderson`s charge looks set to wait for the Aon Chase and a potential clash with First Gold.

Ogden`s racing manager Barry Simpson said: 'Marlborough is better on faster ground and we`ve always had it in the back of our minds to run Marlborough in the Aon Chase at Newbury.

'We wouldn`t run See More Business and Marlborough in the same race until the Gold Cup.

'Having spoken to Nicky Henderson and to Mr Ogden, if the ground looks like being softish we are 99% certain to run See More Business on Saturday and Marlborough in the AON Chase.

'If things go against Marlborough weather-wise at Newbury then he would go for the Racing Post Chase.

'Both horses will only have one run before Cheltenham.'

Cyfor Malta, who has not run since beating Go Ballistic and See More Business in this race two years` ago, is set to make his eagerly-awaited return to action in the race.

Owner David Johnson and trainer Martin Pipe have also entered Thomas Pink Gold Cup winner Lady Cricket, while Pipe could also be represented by Strong Tel.

Go Ballistic, who also chased home Looks Like Trouble in this race last year, will attempt to make it third-time lucky this season.

The gelding was unplaced in the King George VI Chase last time.

Trainer Richard Phillips said: 'He`ll run at Cheltenham, it has always been the plan.

'It should suit him a lot better than Kempton.'

Other notable entries include Whitbread Gold Cup winner Beau and Royal & SunAlliance Chase hero Lord Noelie.