WORCESTERSHIRE owned Best Mate is one of 32 entries revealed today for the 2004 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Henrietta Knight-trained champion became only the sixth horse to successfully defend his title when following up on his 2002 success last year.

Owned by Jim Lewis from Callow End near Worcester, Best Mate is rated a 4/5 chance with the sponsors to record a third successive victory.

If he does he will repeat a feat only achieved before by the legendary trio of Arkle (1964-66), Cottage Rake (1948-50) and Golden Miller, who won jump racing's top chase five times from 1932-36.

But there is talented team of opponents also dreaming of the Tote Gold Cup, worth £350,000, including Kingscliff, winner of last season's Christie's Foxhunter Chase at the Festival, and Sir Rembrandt, both hailing from the stable of Robert Alner, successful in the 1998 race with Cool Dawn.

Both Commanche Court and Truckers Tavern, runners-up to Best Mate in the last two Gold Cups, have also been entered again.