Notabadrooster’s debut win over the big fences for part-owner and trainer Christopher Faulkner at Te Aroha on Friday came as no surprise to rider Will Gordon.

“I schooled him the other day and he jumps very well,” he said. “He’s a big horse and he’s got the ability.”

The towering son of Thano, who finished third in the Waikato Hurdles (3200m) four runs back, gave a tidy display over the big fences at the first time of asking to claim the Racing Te Aroha’s Supporters Club Steeplechase (3500m).