TRAINER Harry Whittington enjoyed a splendid afternoon at Warwick on Saturday, the highlight being the stunning success of 4/9 favourite Saint Calvados in the Grade 2 Betway Kingmaker Novices’ Chase over two miles.

There may have been only four runners but Saint Calvados was hugely impressive, taking quite a tug under Aidan Coleman and soon putting the race to bed with a series of fluent leaps. Ten lengths clear three out, he might have faced a challenge from Diego Du Charmil and Bryony Frost but simply surged clear again, passing the post 22 lengths to the good with North Hill Harvey a modest third.

Saint Calvados arrived from France late last year and went initially to Venetia Williams before joining Whittington a matter of weeks later. Successful over hurdles in his native country, he is unbeaten for his new handler after winning twice at Newbury and took this step-up to Grade 2 company in style. He is 7/1 or 8/1 for the Arkle in most lists and thoroughly deserves to take his chance.

“It’s just fantastic,” Whittington said. “You can only hope that he’ll go and do it like that. Aidan says he’ll be even better next year, so it’s all very exciting. He’s got the world at his feet.”

The trainer is making every opportunity count and went on to complete a double when 5/2 chance The Dubai Way made it five off the reel in the Doom Bar Handicap Hurdle, earning himself a place in the EBF Final at Sandown next month.

Trainer Gary Moore challenges on all fronts under both codes these days and has a splendid win record to show for it.

He won the valuable All Cheltenham Live On Racing UK Warwick Castle Handicap Chase over two and a half miles with 6/1 chance Casse Tete in the hands of son Josh, the horse making up all of a dozen lengths from two out to catch and beat the luckless Kylemore Lough. Cogry, needing quite a bit further, kept on for third.

It will be interesting to see how the handicapper reacts. On this evidence, Casse Tete has the ability to go on to win another middle-distance handicap chase at one of the major meetings.

FLASHJACK’S EFFORT

As ever, Henry Daly shows a fine touch when selecting races for his inmates and the John Lockley 60th Birthday Celebration Handicap Hurdle came his way when 4/1 shot Flashjack went right through with his effort to pass Just A Thought and Sir Will on the run-in.

Winning three long-distance handicap hurdles in a row takes some doing these days but Daly has always been the shrewdest of judges in that respect.