Balzaccio earned a 33/1 quote from Sky Bet for the Triumph Hurdle after winning at Haydock,

Alan King's charge was narrowly preferred to Woolfall Treasure in the betting for the bet365 Best Odds Juvenile Novices' Hurdle but was dominant on the track.

Always travelling powerfully for Robert Thornton, the even-money favourite swept past his trailblazing rival going to the final hurdle.

Fluent at the obstacle, Balzaccio sauntered clear on the run-in to score by eight lengths.

The front two were 23 lengths clear of Nino Cochise in third.

King, sending out his 12th winner in 15 days, was represented by his assistant Noel Williams, who said: "The form of his first race when he was second has stacked up and I think he has strengthened up physically.

"He travelled and jumped well, and once he turned into the straight he picked up well, though 'Chocolate' (Thornton) thought a bigger field would suit him, it would keep him more interested.

"I think he is very versatile as far as ground conditions are concerned and I think he will progress from this again, though you would have to speak to Alan about future plans."