Cream in prize vessel tipped over (3,6)
I believe the answer is:
top drawer
'cream' is the definition.
(both can mean the best)
'prize vessel tipped over' is the wordplay.
'prize' becomes 'reward' (a prize may be given as a reward).
'vessel' becomes 'pot' (type of container).
'tipped over' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'reward'+'pot'='rewardpot'
'rewardpot' in reverse letter order is 'TOP-DRAWER'.
'in' is the link.
(Other definitions for top drawer that I've seen before include "Highest level of society" , "Of the highest class" , "high-class" , "High social position (colloq.)" , "Highest social position - or sliding furniture box" .)