But David Pipe's Swing Bill (9-1), who was second in the race last year off a much lower mark, really responded and was in front by the turn for home, with Bellamy pushing him seven lengths clear of Stewarts House.

"He's obviously a better jockey than his dad," chuckled owner David Johnson.

"We knew he was a safe conveyance as he jumps well, but he had a lot of weight and this is a nice surprise.

"It was the jockey's first ride at the course, and that was a great ride."

Nicky Henderson took the paddypower.com On Mobile Handicap Chase for the third year in a row, this time through the Barry Geraghty-ridden Tanks For That.

Tanks For That (13-2) was having his first start since April but was clearly ready to go, collaring I'msingingtheblues with a couple of fences to jump and storming three lengths clear up the final hill.

"This was the plan, really, as we know he has to be fresh," said Henderson.

Tanks For That only beat a few home in the Grand Annual at the Festival, a race dear to Henderson's heart as it is named after his late father.

"We won this a couple of years ago with French Opera and that started his rise, but the danger is that I manage to expose them (to the handicapper) by winning this," considered the Seven Barrows handler.

"The handicapper is certainly going to play with him, but I should think the Grand Annual will be on his agenda."

Uncle Junior (9-2) prevented what would have undoubtedly been the most popular result of the afternoon by beating Garde Champetre in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

Garde Champetre was looking for his sixth victory over the course and went off the 10-11 favourite but lost vital ground when slipping entering the home straight.

He managed to recover and get back into the race, but Uncle Junior, a newcomer to the niche discipline for Willie Mullins, had a little extra up his sleeve and won by two and a quarter lengths.

Winning jockey Patrick Mullins said: "To be honest, his schooling hadn't gone well and when Garde Champetre joined him I thought he might have got me, but we got a couple of strides in front and he's as tough as old boots."

Garde Champetre's jockey Nina Carberry said: "It (the slip) didn't help but, in fairness, he tried his heart out."

Trainer Enda Bolger added: "I thought at one point he might not even get in the first four.

"The other horse took it to him, but he ran well.

"He'll probably come back here in December."

Steps To Freedom could head straight to the Cheltenham Festival after edging out Prospect Wells in the Opus Energy Novices' Hurdle.

Jessica Harrington's 11-8 favourite sat just on the heels of Prospect Wells and Ericht but had a stinging finish to beat the former by a neck.

"He's had a long summer and we might just put him away until Cheltenham now, maybe with just a prep-run on the all-weather," said Harrington.

"I think he's good. He showed today that he handled the course and he had to battle."

Steps To Freedom is now a general 10-1 chance for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle next March.

Of Prospect Wells, trainer Paul Nicholls said: "I heard the winner was good, but I'm pleased with my horse.

"He maybe idled a bit in front but hopefully he can keep improving."