TRAINER Alan King would prefer drier conditions for Oh Crick, but he is hopeful of big run in this afternoon’s William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter.

The six-year-old landed two valuable Grade Three Chases at Aintree and Cheltenham last season and King is hopeful he can build on that.

The Barbury Castle trainer said: “The ground won’t be as bad on the chase course and though ideally we would prefer a better surface we have to get him started and he has been schooling well at home and is ready to run.”

On the other hand Tom George is hoping the ground goes softer at Exeter to bring Nacarat’s staying power into play in the extended 2m1f Grade Two contest.

Nacarat won the Racing Post Chase last year but is dropping back almost a mile in trip for his seasonal return. And George said: “I’m very happy with him. He’s had a good preparation. He’s exactly where I want him at this stage of the season.

“He had a good summer holiday and came back in July. He’s done plenty of work and he’s ready to blow the cobwebs away.

“In the past you’d have thought two miles one round Exeter would have been a bit too sharp for him, but if the ground gets soft it would play in his favour a bit more. It’s a good place to start him off. Softer ground will help it become more of a stamina test.”

Paul Nicholls saddles top weight Twist Magic as well as I’msingingtheblues.

Nicholls said of Twist Magic: “He is running tomorrow in preparation for the Tingle Creek, as he loves Sandown.”

Last year’s winner Ashley Brook is also among the line-up.

TODAY’S NAP: Oh Crick (3pm Exeter).