What did you make of Kalashnikov with an eye on the future?

Seven out of ten

As a chasing debut it was about a seven out of ten. His jumping was perfectly proficient for a first-time novice and he showed good scope over some of his fences. He did get in a bit tight on occasions – indeed he did well to get the landing gear out when pecking at the first down the back – but that will all be a lot smoother in time. He cruised home after the last and all in all it was nice start which will have taught him plenty. Greater tests await but he remains a fantastic prospect for two-mile chases.
James Hill, RP Tipping

Kalashnikov: is favourite for the ArkleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Two and a half miles will suit better

It wasn't what you'd call a convincing chase debut and I wouldn't have him anywhere near the head of the Racing Post Arkle betting, a race in which you have to jump at speed – something he did anything but at Warwick. He clearly needs plenty of cut in the ground and I can see him ending up over two and a half miles in the JLT on the Thursday unless the going came up really testing.
Pietro Innocenzi, RP Tipping

Watch: Kalashnikov's chasing debut at Warwick

One-paced and vulnerable

Kalashnikov is never a horse I've really warmed to and, although winning in fine style in the end, he'd have to significantly improve on that before he'd even tempt me into backing him at a single-figure price for the Arkle. He looked like he was jumping to his right quite frequently down the back straight, which would be a worry at Cheltenham, but he is a big scopey horse who will improve for the run and it was a decent debut over fences. My main worry with Kalashnikov is whether two miles is his optimum trip. He seems to be a little one-paced and I suspect he will be found out when he bumps into a good one.
Tom Park, Ante-Post Focus