Hobbs Hill completed a hat-trick in fine style by claiming the scalp of the much-vaunted Silverburn in the Grade Two Fire Tech Novices' Chase at Newbury.
Paul Nicholls has lofty ambitions for the runner-up and the Grade One-winning hurdler was first choice of the punters, racegoers sending him off 7-4 favourite.
Even in receipt of 7lb, Silverburn found the front-running Hobbs Hill (100-30) much too strong.
Tony McCoy made all aboard Charles Egerton's eight-year-old for a convincing five-length success.
Egerton said: "He has plenty of ability but has had his problems, he's bled in the past and is difficult to get right.
"You can right off last year as my horses weren't right and I left him alone as I knew he was a chaser for the future.
"Ideally, I would have liked another week before he ran again but the track and number of runners suited him.
"He's had two quick runs now and there are no plans - although there is the possibility of a race at Ascot before Christmas - two and a half miles would be his trip."
Coral introduced Hobbs Hill into the Royal & SunAlliance betting at 20-1, with totesport and VC Bet at 14s and Blue Square as short as 12s.
Silverburn was eased out by the majority of firms and is as big as 20-1 for the same race with Coral - although Stan James left him unchanged at 12-1.
Nicholls said of the runner-up: "He jumped well but will improve for the run.
"He's had ulcers before so we don't work him too hard at home and Sam (Thomas) thinks he'll get further."
McCoy was earlier seen at his brilliant best when driving home 100-30 favourite Soliya to win the Dermot Ffrench Memorial Juvenile Novices' Hurdle.
The champion jockey set out to make all on the David Pipe-trained winner and the filly, giving weight to all of her rivals, was headed before the final flight but fought back under the McCoy drive for a half-length success.
"She's not bad for a little one and what she lacks in size she makes up for in heart," said Pipe.
Pipe also doubled up as 11-2 shot The Package proved a cut above in the City Inn "National Hunt" Maiden Hurdle, earning a 33-1 quote with Paddy Power for the Supreme Novices' following his six-length rout.
"He was keen last time at Chepstow so we let him bowl along and settled him," added the Pond House handler.
"He is a big baby but has done the job nicely and is a lovely horse."
Miko De Beauchene was promoted to the head of the Welsh National market by sponsors Coral after chasing home prolific winner Eden Linty in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle.
Robert Alner's charge had no chance with the Philip Hobbs-trained 6-1 winner, who bounded clear under Tom O'Brien for a three-length verdict.
Hobbs' wife, Sarah, said: "She is a very tough little mare and is improving all of the time.
"The mares' final back here next spring is the aim, and we will run Miss Potts in that race too."
Miko De Beauchene is now 8-1 co-favourite of three with Coral for the December 27 marathon.
Alner's wife, Sally, said: "I am delighted with that and he won't run again before the Welsh National."
Alan King proved the well-being of his string ahead of a big weekend for the Barbury Castle team as The Hairy Lemon was kidded home by Robert Thornton in the Strutt & Parker Novices' Handicap Chase.
King sends out several of his big guns on Saturday, including Champion Hurdle hope Katchit at Newcastle, and headed into the winner's enclosure as his 7-1 chance saw off Oscar D'Angron by a length.
"He ran a cracking race at Cheltenham a fortnight ago and has schooled away grand so I was quite hopeful despite top weight," said the trainer.
Carl Llewellyn was also among the winners and saddled Harrycone Lewis (8-1) to a 13-length success under Joshua Guerriero in the Strutt & Parker Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase.
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