OWNER Grahame Whateley says Sausalito Sunrise could be given a surprise entry in the Cross Country Chase at this year's Cheltenham Festival.

The Belbroughton businessman, who owns the Halesowen-based firm Cedar Group, is once again looking forward to an exciting meeting watching his equine stars carrying the famous two-toned blue colours of wife Diana.

One intriguing plan of attack could now see Sausalito Sunrise take on the unique challenge of Prestbury Park's cross country fences.

The Philip Hobbs-trained nine year old currently has entries in the Ultima Handicap Chase and the Gold Cup, as well as the Grand National at Aintree in April. But after a host of slightly under-par showings this season, a cross country spin is being considered.

Whateley explains: "It is something we are thinking about at the moment. He will school locally first before having a practice run at the course, which you have to do before you can run.

"He'll be one of the highest rated horses in the race if he goes there. We are hoping the change will help him get some of his spark back."

Meanwhile, a plan of attack is still to be decided for a number of the couple's other exciting prospects.

Garde La Victoire has a host of entries but the ground will decide if he runs over two or two-and-a-half miles.

One horse Whateley is hoping can bounce back to his best is the Gordon Elliott-trained Diamond King.

The nine-year-old King's Theatre gelding bagged the Coral Cup at last year's Festival but has only won once in three starts since going novice chasing this campaign.

He is entered in the JLT Novices' Chase and the Brown Advisory and Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase, with the latter being favoured at the moment.

"It has been a frustrating season but he's had a breathing operation and we think he's a spring horse," said Whateley.

"Hopefully the better ground at Cheltenham will help him as well. He could be well handicapped if getting back to his best."

Another horse that will head over from Ireland with Elliott is Jetstream Jack.

Plans for Rock The Kasbah will be made after tomorrow's run at Chepstow. He holds entries in the JLT Novices' Chase and RSA Novices' Chase as well as the Ultima Handicap Chase.

"At home he is fantastic but tends to balloon his fences," he added. "We do like him a lot so hopefully he runs well whichever race he goes in."

Two young horses that will miss the Festival are Sneaky Feeling and Wishfull Dreaming as connections give them more time to develop.