Dan and Harry Skelton enjoyed a three-timer at Exeter on Friday, with Thistle Ask running out a commanding winner of the feature BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
All eyes were seemingly on Paul Nicholls' Grade 1 winner Kalif Du Berlais but the 13/8 market leader looked in trouble from some way out, with Harry Cobden having to nurse his mount along down the back straight.
As those in behind fairly struggled to get on terms, Thistle Ask continued to bowl along out in front and after a handful more assured leaps in the straight, he galloped on resolutely to see off Saint Segal by a commanding seven lengths, with defending champion Jpr One back in third.
Harry Skelton said: "This down to Dan. I go out there to do a job, but it takes a set of balls to do what he (Dan) has done.
"He is a horse that likes to gallop, jump and run. He is made for me, he's a bit numb, and just keeps going.
"We had a light weight and plenty of experience with some runs under our belt. We just wanted to make use of that.
"The way Dan has placed this horse – it takes some bravery to do what he has done."
Assistant trainer Tom Messenger added: "He was a fantastic buy by Ryan (Mahon) and Dan for £11,000. To win three, including this race, is unbelievable. It was another great ride from Harry. The horse was willing again, but he was aggressive on him.
"He won at Kelso and Dan managed to get him out under a penalty at Wetherby and Dan said, 'you know what, let's have a go at this'. That is all credit to Dan and that is where he is brilliant as he had massive confidence and said we will give it a go.
"It is interesting with the horses we have tried to win this race with in the past and we win it with this lad. We didn't think in the summer we would end up here, he has done nothing but thrive since we have had him."
Earlier on the card, Doyen Quest put in an exemplary round of jumping to make all the running in the ICL Conscious Of Our Impact 'Future Stars' Silver Bowl Novices', doubling his tally over fences.
Winning rider Harry Skelton said: "We have experience under our belt and so we thought we would make use of it. It was a nice little pot (to win), perfect.
"To be honest, in front he is always saving a bit, so you are never going too fast – he has always got a bit left up his sleeve.
"He is going the right way now. We had a couple of runs under our belt and we'll take this one. It's just good ground."
Theonewedreamof claimed the Oddschecker 'Challenger' Stayers' Handicap Chase to complete a treble on the day for the Harry and Dan Skelton team.
