WORCESTERSHIRE'S Jim Lewis re-ports triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate to be "101 per cent" as he prepares for his title defence at Cheltenham next month.

The Callow End owner is hoping his 10-year-old will steer clear of the sore throat that has affected stablemate Edredon Bleu, who runs in the same colours.

Edredon Bleu ran a lifeless race in the Country Gentlemen's Association Chase at Wincanton yesterday and has been put on antibiotics, while Best Mate himself has recovered from coughing after he was beaten in the Lexus Chase over Christmas.

Lewis said: "It is a problem, but the fact that he has already had a setback should hopefully mean he will not pick up anything else.

"It is very worrying for everyone and I hope it goes away, but Matey is 101 per cent at the moment.

"I really think 3-1 is a ridiculous price (for the Gold Cup). If I had any more money, I would put some more on!" said a confident Lewis.

n Tomorrow's runners and riders, plus North Hereford point-to-point report and results -- Page 31.