ALAN KING is hoping Tarotino is ready to run a big race in Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old won his last three starts as a novice last season, including an 18-length victory at Bangor in May.

Although so far this season King’s horses have needed their first run, he thinks Tarotino – who is currently 7-1 second favourite for the Grade Three handicap with most bookmakers – will be ready to fire on his seasonal reappearance.

King said: “He’s had an uninterrupted preperation. He worked this morning and he’s due to school tomorrow morning but the one thing I don’t want is too much rain.

“He could be well handicapped. He was very impressive at Bangor in the spring but it wasn’t the strongest race and he went up a fair bit for it.

“It was always the plan to give him a break and come here first time so we’ll see what happens.

“I’m very happy with his general condition for this. I’ll have him as near (to peak fitness) as I can. He’s quite a buzzy horse anyway, so he might be a little bit straighter than some have been.”

Meanwhile Edward O’Grady is hoping Tranquil Sea can also go well following his win over Trafford Lad and Joncol on his seasonal reappearance at Naas.

The Irish trainer said: “There is no reason why he should not be as good second time as he was first time.

“We wouldn’t go there if we didn’t think he had a chance, I certainly hope he’s got a very good each-way chance.

“The Grade One Hurdle he won was over two-and-a-half-miles so you’d have to think the same trip over fences would be pretty suitable for him.

“Having said that, he does well over two miles but I don’t see why an extra half mile should be a problem.”