Pipe and McCoy in the mix with Sedgefield double
The three-year-old, the 11-8 favourite, had been unplaced on his two appearances over hurdles in France before joining the Pipe team but was a different proposition in this extended two mile, one furlong test.
He travelled and jumped well and when McCoy consented to let him ease to the front after jumping the penultimate flight, just cruised away to pass the post with 12 lengths to spare over Folk Tune.
Pipe’s representative Craig Wylie said: “We have not had him long, only about three weeks, so we don’t know a lot about him – Tony said it was not a great race but that he won it well and handled the ground (heavy).
“I don’t know what David will do with him now but perhaps something like the Finale Hurdle (at Chepstow on December 27) could be a target for him.”
Earlier, Kilty Storm defied the driving rain and strong winds to take the WBX.COM Now Live Beginners’ Chase.
McCoy sent him to the front from the outset in the three mile, three furlong test and made the rest of the running to win by 12 lengths from Noir Et Vert.
Donald McCain’s Mohayer gained a first success in convincing fashion under conditional Stephen Craine in the World Bet Exchange At WBX.COM Maiden Hurdle.
Sue Smith pulled off a fine piece of training to produce Tomenoso (14-1) fit and ready after a 436-day absence to win the Join WBX.COM Today Handicap Hurdle in the hands of David O’Meara and in the colours of Keith Nicholson.
Malton trainer Brian Ellison is still out in Australia but his team is in good hands and his daughter Lorraine sent out Transit to land some nice little wagers (backed from 28-1 to 16-1) under conditional Tom Dreaper in the wbxtriplecrown.com Handicap Chase.
