Crick scores hat-trick

Oh Crick continued an impressive winning sequence for Alan King when completing a hat-trick for the trainer in the toteplacepot Handicap Hurdle at Exeter.

The 5-2 chance, up 5lb for his previous win at Cheltenham, came from almost last to take command in the seven-runner field before the second-last flight.

At this point the 9-4 favourite Or Bleu began to weaken and Call Oscar emerged as a big threat. The pair knuckled down to a good battle on the run-in before Robert Thornton nudged Oh Crick home by half a length.

Oh Crick has Cheltenham entries but according to King, he will not be part of his team at the Festival.

The trainer said: “He was probably just waiting for the other one in front, but he’s a progressive type and travels away beautifully.

“He’s going the right way and will make a smashing prospect for novice chases next year.”