STOURBRIDGE racehorse owner Grahame Whateley is hoping for dry conditions when the Cheltenham Festival gets underway next week.

All of his main equine stars would prefer better ground when jump racing's annual four-day extravaganza begins on Tuesday, March 13.

The Belbroughton businessman, who owns the Halesowen-based firm Cedar Group, is also hoping the meeting can brighten a frustrating season so far.

Leading this year's team, which will carry the famous two-toned blue colours of wife Diana, is Aintree Grand National entry Rock The Kasbah.

The eight-year-old chestnut is heading to the Ultima Handicap Chase on the opening day, with his performance key to if he'll show up at Aintree in April.

Whateley said: "Like all of our horses heading to Cheltenham, we are hoping for good-to-soft ground ideally for Rock The Kasbah.

"We'll just have to wait and see what happens with the going.

"Philip Hobbs (trainer) thinks he also acts on very soft ground but I personally think he's better on better ground.

"He's a really nice horse but it may be that the Grand National is a year too soon for him. Hopefully he can run a nice race at Cheltenham and then we'll have a decision to make."

Rock The Kasbah started his season with a neat success at Chepstow but was last seen when pulling up in heavy ground in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock in January.

Diamond King, trained over in Ireland by Gordon Elliott, is set to try and reclaim the Coral Cup crown he won in 2016.

He was last sighted at Punchestown in December when finishing three lengths third behind Gold Cup-bound Killultagh Vic.

Elliott could also bring former Champion Bumper runner Jetstream Jack over but plans are yet to be finalised.

Rio Quinto, trained in Stratford by upcoming handler Olly Murphy, has an entry in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

However, the five-year-old Loup Breton gelding may struggle to get a run off his current handicap mark despite an eye-catching display at Fakenham in December.

"Olly Murphy has done fantastically well since he started training," added Whateley, who has also sent former Hobbs inmate Wishfull Dreaming to Warren Chase.

"We wanted to support him but it certainly doesn't mean we are deserting Philip Hobbs, we wouldn't do that.

"It has been a frustrating, lousy season for us though. Philip hasn't had a great time with a slight bug in the yard and we've struggled for winners.

"Things are improving all the time now though and a big Cheltenham winner would change everything."

Whateley could also have a runner in the very last race of this year's Festival when former Welsh Champion Hurdle winner Garde La Victoire lines up in the 2m 1/2f Grand Annual Handicap Chase on the Friday.