FANS of Best Mate will once again have to be content with a strictly limited diet of their favourite thoroughbred.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero is scheduled to make just three ventures into the public domain this term.

Just like last season, Henrietta Knight's superstar begins his campaign with a crack at Huntingdon's Peterborough Chase (2.55), prior to running in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, then finally on to defend his Gold Cup crown at Prestbury Park next March.

Although it is a matter of record that Best Mate mopped up all three prizes during the 2002/2003 season, his regular jockey Jim Culloty is not counting his chickens.

"Over two-and-a-half-miles he is vulnerable. Best Mate ideally needs a test of stamina and his best trip is in excess of three miles," said Culloty.

Having said that, Culloty's partner won the £50,000 affair by eight lengths in 2002, putting in several of his trademark spectacular jumps during the race.

"He's been trained to win the Peterborough and is more or less 100 per cent fit and in great form," added Jim.

This year's opposition is without question stronger than last, with the French raider Jair Du Cochet and Valley Henry both posing serious threats, nonetheless Best Mate has the stuff that champions are made of and therefore just gets the nod in a race to savour.

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