'I think we'll see him to better effect over fences' - Lookaway makes striking chasing debut for Neil King

The opening novice chase may have only been a two-horse affair but it took a classy animal to win it as Lookaway prevailed in a sprint to the line with Personal Ambition.

Lookaway showed his typical front-running enthusiasm and fighting qualities to prevail by a length, while his assured jumping technique left Jack Quinlan smiling in the winner's enclosure. 

"I was thrilled with him," winning trainer Neil King said. "I know it's only a two-horse race but it was better than they can be as Personal Ambition is a useful animal. He did everything right there, he did it the hard way from the front and he jumped great. 

"He was always a better horse last year in fast-run races so I'm sure the same will apply now he's chasing. He's such a great jumper, I think we'll see him to better effect over fences."

On future plans, he added: "We're lucky that he's very versatile. I wouldn't mind if we went two miles or two miles four with him next time and most ground comes the same to him. He may go to Cheltenham for the Arkle Trial and we have the Henry VIII at Sandown on our radar, but we'll take him home and have a think."

Walkadina routs rivals

Tom Bellamy is relishing his new role with Kim Bailey but linked up with David Pipe for an armchair ride aboard Walkadina in the 2m mares' maiden hurdle. The five-year-old made all and jumped well on the way to a 13-length success and looks worth following.

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