Walkon good at Exeter Walkon (11/4) made an impressive chasing debut in the Harry Dutfield Memorial Novices' Chase at Exeter. Alan King's grey hadn't been seen since finishing seventh in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham but moved well through the race under Robert Thornton and breezed into the lead three fences from home. Long-time leader Notus De Le Tour tried to rally under Tom Scudamore, but he was unable to concede 8lbs to his rivals and in the end was overhauled for second by Nick William's Zaynar (3/1), as Walkon came home clear in front. Williams' former Triumph Hurdle winner looked to be struggling before the home turn but stayed on well for AP McCoy to take the forecast spot, although he never looked like beating Walkon as he had at Cheltenham. Thornton said: "We were expecting a big run, but it was no straightforward task on paper. "He's strengthened up over the last two years or so. "I think he'll probably go a similar trip next time, and then up (in trip). "He stays and gallops - it was great, I enjoyed it." Walkon was cut in price by bookmakers for both the Arkle and the Jewson Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. King was, however, cool on the prospects of Walkon running in the Arkle. He told At The Races: "He was foot-perfect - I didn't see him make a mistake. "I wasn't quite expecting a performance like that as it looked a proper race. "For the time being we'll stick at this trip, two and a half miles, but I suppose in the spring we'll think about stepping up, rather than down (in trip). "I don't think he's an Arkle horse, though I have been known to change my mind. "I just wanted to get today out of the way but we'll try to find somewhere about Christmas time." The winner was introduced by Sky Bet into their Arkle betting at 16/1, although both Boylesports and Victor Chandler were less impressed going 25/1. VC spokesperson Charlie McCann: "Whilst Notus De La Tour may not have been at his best and Zaynar palpably needs three miles now you couldn't but be impressed with Walkon and the hope is he can be kept sound as that was an excellent first run over fences."
