Tony McCoy moved to 99 for the season and got favourite-backers off to the best possible start with a brilliant effort in the opener at Cheltenham.
His mount Kia Kaha had a sizeable amount of money riding on him as 2-1 jolly in the Ryman The Stationers Novices' Handicap Hurdle.
He hit the front probably sooner than McCoy would have liked with three flights to jump and while he was passed on the run-in by the strong-travelling Roman Villa, rider Paul Carberry lost his whip close to the line and the perennial champion got back up by a neck.
Trainer Jonjo O'Neill said: "The jockey was helpful as always. He looked like he was spent but in fairness he kept going and did the job. We'll look for another little race somewhere."
Winning owner JP McManus added: "It looks like we ran him in the right race as we did consider the novice on Friday.
"I didn't back him. I thought he was well-handicapped but considering his inexperience the price was too skinny for me."
And McCoy wasted no time hitting the century as Albertas Run emerged triumphant to register a double for the trainer and jockey in a dramatic Club 16-24 Novices' Chase.
Ruby Walsh suffered a horrible from Willyanwoody at the third-last, leaving McCoy to fend off Irish raider Sizing Australia.
The 7-2 shot was clear jumping the final fence and despite spooking at a photographer next to the running rail, he had enough in reserve to score by a length and quarter.
"He is a good little horse on the ground," said O'Neill.
"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."
Vibes have been circling about Franchoek being 'the new Katchit' for a while now and Alan King's charge continued on the right path by taking the race his stable companion landed last year.
The 5-6 favourite showcased a round of neat jumping in the Cleanevent Juvenile Novices' Hurdle and moved ominously well for Robert Thornton, pulling well away for an eight-length victory.
The major firms cut Franchoek into 8-1 favourite to repeat Katchit's win in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
King said: "He's totally different to Katchit - he wouldn't have the speed, but this one's a grinder.
"We'll probably keep bringing him back here, or think about the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow."
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