Martin Pipe told anyone who would listen to back him to be top trainer at Cheltenham's Open meeting and after a first-day double, he entrenched his position at the head of affairs when Over The Creek landed today's opener.
Travelling well throughout the extended two-mile Racing UK Novices' Handicap Hurdle under Timmy Murphy, the 9-4 favourite stalked the early pace set by Gan Eagla and jumped to the front three from home.
Though 66-1 outsider Caraman proved a persistent challenger, Murphy's mount knew his business and after getting a couple of cracks to maintain the effort up the run-in, Over The Creek prevailed by two and a half lengths.
"There's still a long way to go," quipped Pipe of his promise. "This is a nice start to the day. He's still a frame of a horse and he's needed plenty of time."
"He's big and weak and still doesn't really know what to do, so to do what he's done over two miles is very pleasing. He ran about a bit but still kept going."
Filed by Katie Byrne
