Herecomesthetruth made all to record a hard-fought victory in the ladbrokes.com Chase at Down Royal.
Christian Williams was at work on the Presenting gelding three out but he found plenty when tackled by Forpadydeplasterer at the second last.
The pair settled down for a terrific duel with the Paul Nicholls-trained raider finding more on the run-in to score by five-and-a-half lengths.
"We're delighted with that. He did it nicely and we're over the moon with him," said Harry Fry, pupil assistant to Nicholls.
"He'll probably follow the same route as Noland and come back here for the John Durkan."
The runner-up is set to travel to Sandown for the Tingle Creek next and connections were pleased with the effort.
"I'm delighted with him. He gave a good blow after the third last and will come on for the run," said trainer Tom Cooper.
"It's all systems go now and hopefully he'll get a bit better going next time. The Tingle Creek is next.
"He wants a fast run two mile on good ground in an ideal world."
