ERIC’S CHARM is set to miss tomorrow’s bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown due to the expected fast ground.

The Oliver Sherwood-trained 12-year-old is around a 14-1 chance with most firms for the final big jumps race of the season, but he is likely not to line-up at the Esher track.

Sherwood doesn’t want to take any risks with Eric’s Charm on the predicted firm conditions for fear of injury.

On his final outing he came down at the first fence in the John Smith’s Grand National at Aintree two weeks ago.

But he has always run well at Sandown, having won twice and only being out of the first three once in eight starts.

He was also second in tomorrow’s 3m5½f contest in 2006. But Sherwood said: “He’s not running unfortunately. I always said if the ground stayed on the fast side – and I know they are doing their best at Sandown – that he wouldn’t run. He’s got to have cut in the ground.

“I’d made it public from day one after Aintree it was subject to ground. He’s broken down twice.

“Unless there’s a downpour tonight and it goes to good to soft, soft, but I can’t see that happening now that I’ve looked at the weather forecast.”

Sherwood may, though, run Eric’s Charm over the summer if the conditions are suitable.

Sherwood added: “I’ve got to speak to the owners, but I might keep him going a bit. He’s had an easy season and he’s not getting any younger.

“I remember this time last year it was like this, dry and sunny, and then it rained in May and June and there are a couple of races then that are possible for him.

“I’ll keep him ticking over and he’ll stay in training next year definitely.”

Paul Nicholls, who trains current 7-1 favourite Just Amazing, is also likely to take out Massasoit at today’s declaration stage.

Massasoit’s owner said: “I’ve spoken to Paul and we’re going to leave Massasoit out as the ground’s too quick.

Stewart may though have My Will and Hoo La Baloo and also Martys Mission – if the latter makes the cut for the maximum 20-strong field.

Meanwhile Godolphin will not make final plans for their team for next Saturday’s StanJames.com 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket until next week.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor has two entries in the Colts’ Classic in Al Zir and Poet’s Voice, while new trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni may saddle a first British Classic runner in Buzzword.

Al Zir – a 33-1 chance with Sportingbet – was third behind current 13-8 Guineas favourite St Nicholas Abbey in last year’s Racing Post Trophy.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: “At the moment they are all doing very well and we’re not going to make any decisions until next week.

“Al Zir has had a good winter and is pretty straight at the moment, so he’s a likely contender.

“He certainly gives the impression he’s stronger this year, but he doesn’t really fill his frame and I don’t think he ever will, he’s just one of those horses. But he is very well balanced for such a tall horse and the dips and cambers at Newmarket aren’t going to bother him.”

TODAY’S NAP: Confrontation (1.55pm Wolverhampton).