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Racing News |
Nacarat and Oh Crick Both Set for Gold Cup Returns
By Josh Allen 30/10/09
Festival winner, Oh Crick and victor of the Racing Post Chase, Nacarat, are both set to make reappearances at Tuesday's William Hill Gold Cup Chase.
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The Exeter based handicap has a strong looking list of 17 entrants, which also includes Twist Magic and last year's winner Ashley Brook.
For Nacarat, the Gold Cup is to be the start of a journey that is ultimately heading for Kempton and the King George VI Chase on December 26th. The 8 year old is the star of Tom George's stable and his trainer is positive about the chances of a good season.
“He is far further forward than he was last year as he's been back in since July 1st and his preparations have all been A1.”
He added: “The King George VI Chase is his main target as we've always known he's at his optimum at three miles round Kempton. I couldn't be happier with him and this first run back should put him right.”
Another man with high hopes is Alan King, who watched Oh Crick emerge victorious at both the Cheltenham and Aintree festival's last season. If the gelding is to repeat his success then he will have to do so with an increased handicap but his trainer has no qualms about the new rating.
“It will obviously be tougher for Oh Crick this season, but he saved our Cheltenham Festival and was even more impressive when landing the Red Rum at Aintree. So with two big wins on his CV I can't complain about the handicapper putting him up 9lb.” said King on his website.
“He will need to improve , but he is only six and has strengthened through the summer, so he might be capable of doing so.”
He added: “We have to start somewhere and if Paul Nicholls runs Twist Magic we will get in on 10st 5lb so it looks the perfect race to launch him in.”
