Trainer Paul Nicholls' two big Cheltenham hopes Silviniaco Conti and Big Buck's have taken a major step in their preparations with a post-race gallop at Exeter.

Nicholls had a smile on his face as he watched his star names complete a circuit of the Devon course and pass the post together.

King George winner Silviniaco Conti was ridden by Noel Fehily, his scheduled partner in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Harry Derham was aboard Big Buck's who suffered his first British defeat over hurdles at Cheltenham last month but is on course to challenge for a fifth World Hurdle next month.

Moving easily, the pair were always ahead of three other Nicholls runners ahead of Exeter's Cheltenham preview evening.

"It was a good day out for them and I'm very pleased," Nicholls said.

"They went steady for two miles (3200m) and quickened up for the final furlong (200m).

"It was just what they needed before Cheltenham and it all went to plan."