THISTLECRACK maintained his unbeaten record over fences despite the odd scary moment in the mallardjewellers.com Novices' Chase.

Last season's champion staying hurdler took off too early at a couple of open ditches, but soon recovered and won in convincing style.

Irish challenger Marinero made the early running but Tom Scudamore decided to take Colin Tizzard's extremely talented performer to the front with a circuit left.

From then on Thistlecrack was a little more cautious, giving his fences more respect and though Marinero closed the gap briefly, the issue was never in doubt.

The 1-7 shot won as he liked by three and three-quarter lengths.

Tizzard said: "It's hard to describe it. He was a bit novicey but I think he'll be so much better when he has a proper race.

"He's got so much ability, he goes so easily all the time and he didn't look like falling.

"He's such a big, powerful, galloping horse. He has tremendous scope.

"We might get another run under him before the Christmas period.

"He's got experience of jumping round here now against lesser opposition, but I don't know if we learnt anything today.

"I was thrilled when Tom took the running up with a circuit to go and they went that bit faster.

"He's good when he gets in deep and he's won with his head in his chest as he should.

"I'd say we'll stay the novice route and he might have another run at the end of the month."