BEST Mate will face 15 rivals tomorrow as he bids to become the first horse since L'Escargot to win successive Tote Cheltenham Gold Cups.
Henrietta Knight's star will be joined by stablemate Chives.
All the main contenders stood their ground at the overnight stage with exciting novice Beef Or Salmon forming a strong challenge from Ireland, which also includes last year's runner-up Commanche Court, Colonel Braxton and Harbour Pilot.
Peter Beaumont's Hussard Collonges, winner of the Royal & SunAlliance Chase last year, will be a big danger, as will Paul Nicholls' See More Business.
Marlborough, just beaten by Best Mate in the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, renews rivalry, while Nicholls has also declared Aon Chase winner Valley Henry.
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