Crick cracker for King

Few trainers finished 2007 in the same fine form as Alan King, so it was hardly surprising to see that man on the mark with Oh Crick in the Club 16-24 Annual Big Bash “National Hunt” Novices’ Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The race looked certain to feature Milan Deux Mille, whose much higher chase rating could not be taken into account, but when that one came off the bridle the ball was firmly in Oh Crick (4-1) and Robert Thornton’s court.