You aren't going to get rich by backing him, but the sight of Best Mate winning his third Cheltenham Gold Cup tomorrow will be worth plenty in future nostalgic memories.

There are those now who proudly tell you "I was there" when the mighty Arkle completed his hat-trick of Gold Cup triumphs back in 1966. And, in another forty years, there will be those who'll say the same about the day Best Mate made racing history in 2004.

Sure enough, he hasn't done it yet. But, with serious opposition to the red-hot favourite thin on the ground, Henrietta Knight's star has the opportunity of a lifetime.

In each of the last two years Best Mate has clinched steeplechasing's most prestigious prize in fine style and anyone who saw him treat his rivals with sheer disdain on his latest start, at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting, were left in little doubt that the spring-heeled gelding would return to Cheltenham holding all the aces.

Jim Culloty, regular rider of Best Mate, will be in the saddle again tomorrow and should enjoy an armchair ride on a horse who cruises through his races and jumps as quickly and as accurately as any horse of recent times.

With Jair Du Cochet, who beat Best Mate at Huntingdon earlier this season, tragically suffering a fatal injury on the gallops recently, and Kingscliffe not considered to be quite 100 per cent for a Gold Cup assault, the race has been robbed of its original second and third favourites.

So, if the unthinkable happens and Best Mate flops, what can pick up the pieces?

Keen Leader looks the most likely one, despite the ground now drying out quicker than this mudlark would like.

Respect also has to be shown to exciting novice Therealbandit, despite his lack of experience.

But this should be Best Mate's day and one to remember for supporters of National Hunt racing.

The bonusprint.com Stayers' Hurdle forms a wonderful support to the main race, especially as Baracouda, like Best Mate, is bidding for his third successive triumph in this championship event.

Iris's Gift, who ran him close last year, again poses a threat, but Baracouda, trained in France by Francois Doumen, will be a very tough nut to crack. Crystal D'Ainay, a much-improved horse this season, appeals as an each-way wager.

Alan King, trainer of Crystal D'Ainay and on the mark yesterday with Fork Lightning, can lift the opening race, the JCB Triumph Hurdle with the super-tough Trouble At Bay, already twice a winner on this course.

Simply Gifted, formerly with Tim Easterby and now trained by Jonjo O'Neill, looks to have a great chance in the Grand Annual Chase after his recent comeback victory, following a lengthy absence.

Impek, a stablemate of Best Mate, will not be short of supporters in the Cathcart Chase.

The concluding Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle, as wide-open as ever, could produce a shock result. Hawadeth, at the foot of the handicap, has good each-way prospects and is awarded my Nap vote to oblige at a considerably bigger price than Best Mate will start in the Gold Cup.

Tomorrow's tips:

Cheltenham

2.00 Trouble At Bay, 2.35 Baracouda, 3.15 Best Mate, 4.00 Lord Atterbury, 4.35 Simply Gifted, 5.10 Impek, 5.45 Hawadeth (Nap).

Hexham

2.15 Jolika, 2.50 The Nomad, 3.30 Albany, 4.10 Trooper, 4.45 Petrea, 5.20 Just Sooty.

Tomorrow's other meeting is at Southwell.

Updated: 12:02 Wednesday, March 17, 2004