Notachance strikes at Warwick
Notachance strikes at Warwick

Warwick Saturday report: Notachance claims feature


7/2 joint-favourite Notachance landed the McCoy Contractors Civil Engineering Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick.

Tom Cannon sat quietly on Alan King's charge for much of the contest and turning in had mastered the long-time leader Captain Chaos.

However the danger was behind, Value Bet selection Achille who was gathering momentum.

He wasn't as fluent as the winner two out though and that proved crucial, his gallant rally on the run-in taking him to within half-a-length at the line.

King said: “He is a progressive young horse and has really improved this season. We were delighted with him at Bangor and he seems to have come forward again.

“We probably got to the front a little bit too soon and he pricked his ears from the second-last, but he kept finding.

“We always thought he would suit this sort of race and going forward I would imagine we will target the Scottish National. He won’t go to Liverpool (Grand National), as I don’t like the race and neither do the owners.”

He added: “I was glad when the winning line came as it was a long way from the last, like I said. I’ve always thought he is a better horse on good ground and certainly last season he seemed a better horse on better ground.

“We will probably try to find something (before Scottish National), but we will have to go home and think about that. He is too young for Aintree, so he won’t be entered.

“I just think he has matured now and he is seeing his races out properly. He likes to be fresh and well so we won’t over-race him.”

On his season so far, King said: “It’s going terrific all round. We’ve not quite the numbers we used to have jumping-wise, but we can still produce the odd good one!”