Franchoek rocketed to favouritism for the JCB Triumph Hurdle after following in Katchit's hoofprints by winning the Cleanevent Juvenile Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Alan King saddled the latter to win an incredible seven times from eight races last season, including at the Festival in March, and bookmakers are already alive to the threat of a repeat from his new kid on the block.
Franchoek had got off the mark over timber at Chepstow last month and confirmed the impression made there in slamming Won In The Dark by eight lengths.
After cheering home his 6-5 favourite, King said: "He's totally different to Katchit - he wouldn't have the speed but is a grinder.
"We'll probably keep bringing him back here, or think about the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow."
Franchoek now trades at 8-1 with the vast majority of firms for the Triumph, with Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams explaining: "Franchoek now sets the standard for the division.
"He was sensational at Cheltenham and we're making no apologies in slashing his odds for a return here at the Festival. Katchit was grim last March and we're in no mood for getting caught out again."
Sir Rembrandt, second to Best Mate in the Gold Cup of 2004, made a triumphant seasonal return in the Servo Computer Services Trophy Handicap Chase.
Now with Victor Dartnall, the 11-year-old made light of his advancing years to land odds of 15-2 by a long-looking 13 lengths from the Paul Nicholls-trained Cornish Sett.
The Champion trainer endured a miserable afternoon, losing Granit Jack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the lightly-raced Willyanwoody in the Club 16-24 Novices' Chase.
Ruby Walsh faces an uncertain spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder on the latter, who came to grief at the third-last fence in a race won in taking style by Albertas Run.
The 7-2 shot had enough in reserve to score by a length and quarter from Sizing Australia, and gave Tony McCoy and Jonjo O'Neill a double after they combined to score aboard Kia Kaha in the opening contest.
Of Albertas Run, O'Neill said: "He is a good little horse on the ground.
"I was just disappointed with the way he jumped at Aintree - it was very bad.
"It is all about confidence and I will try and find a nice little race for him."
Blazing Bailey had no easy task to concede lumps of weight all round in the Lombard Properties Handicap Hurdle but was beaten some way out as Irish raider Sonnyanjoe made the best of his way home.
The 5-2 chance maintained the gallop to hold off Lyes Green by three and a half lengths, after which trainer Tom Hogan said: "There were tears in my eyes as he came up the run-in today.
"Two years ago at Naas he broke down on both front tendons and the vet told me to put him down. But I wouldn't allow it because he is so brave."
Timmy Murphy will be out of action for 27 consecutive days following a six-day ban handed to him at Cheltenham, which will be tagged on to the 21 days he picked up for 'schooling in public' at Fontwell last week.
Murphy fell foul of the stewards after marking Itsmyboy in the race won by Albertas Run, and will now miss riding between November 20 and December 16.
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