Yala Enki justified strong support to make all the running in the William Hill Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton.
Available at 11-2 in the morning, he was backed into 11-4 favouritism and young Charlie Deutsch stole a few lengths at the start which played a big factor in his win.
Going down the back straight his goose looked cooked as he fluffed a few hurdles and the likes of Ibis Du Rheu and Brother Tedd closed up . However, Deutsch, who is proving terrific value for his 5lb claim this season for trainer Venetia Williams, had just saved enough up his sleeve and a flying leap at the last enabled him to maintain an advantage.
Westren Warrior was beaten two lengths into second, with Ibis Du Rheu third.
Deutsch said: "That was my biggest win, definitely. He really was quite tough and gusty. I kept kicking and squeezing him off the bend, and he just kept finding more and more. He was very brave and he stays.
"He was quite keen going to post and I was just trying to settle him. I was trying to make the most of him because he stays.
"He is quite a hot horse and that's why he sweated up a bit but it doesn't seem to affect him much. There wasn't much pace, so I just thought I'd make it myself.
"I'm delighted. A winner is a winner. I enjoy hurdles just as much as I enjoy fences. It's great to get the opportunity and it's a great feeling.
"I think he'll make a chaser, definitely, but I'll enjoy this for now."
Owner Clive Hitchings said: "He won over fences in France so really we want to go chasing, but as he was a novice Venetia said we should go down that route.
"He won a novice quite easily and then ran in the Fixed Brush Hurdle (at Haydock), but was taken on for the lead and possibly didn't see out the trip.
"We hope to go chasing with him next season."