Knight Expects Tough Return For Mate

Trainer Henrietta Knight has warned triple Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Best Mate faces a stiff task when he makes his eagerly-awaited return to action.

Forced to miss his attempt at a fourth title when breaking a blood vessel in his preparations days before the big race in March, the star jumper will embark upon his next campaign at Exeter next month.

That race is a stepping stone to a trip to Haydock´s Betfair Cup, the first leg of the new Betfair Million, a three-legged challenge which also takes in the Stan James King George VI Chase and the Gold Cup itself.

Speaking at a media open day at her Berkshire stables, Knight said: 'He´s quite fit actually. He´s been back in since the middle of June and he is pretty forward.

'I don´t expect him to win at Exeter as I don´t think he has got the toe to beat two-milers at their own game, but it would be nice to see him run well.'

The motivation for starting Best Mate off in the Haldon Gold Cup on November 1 is that Irish champion Kicking King, winner of both the King George and Cheltenham Gold Cup last season, is to pursue a similar campaign before the pair hopefully clash at Haydock as they bid to outline their respective Million aspirations.

'If Kicking King is going to have a prep then we don´t want to be at a disadvantage and a race behind,' Knight explained.

'I don´t like making predictions but he is still a very good horse and still full of enthusiasm.

'I really can´t fault Kicking King. He is a super horse and probably the best around. It´s going to be a very interesting race.'

With Best Mate´s regular rider Jim Culloty having retired during the summer, owner Jim Lewis has got to find a new pilot for his pride and joy.

But Lewis admitted that due to riding commitments of all of the top riders, it might be impossible to retain the services of one jockey for all of Best Mate´s outings this season.

(C) PA Sport