Strong Flow, the mount of in-form Ruby Walsh, spread-eagled his rivals in the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury today.
Despite one blunder, the 5-1 joint-favourite put in a flawless round of jumping to beat Joss Naylor (6-1) with Take Control (25-1) third and Irish challenger Hedgehunter fourth at 9-1.
After top weight One Knight came to grief at the first and Sir Rembrandt fell at the third Tom's Prize settled down at the head of affairs.
The leader set a good pace chased by Be My Belle and The Premier Cat with Strong Flow restrained by Walsh in mid-division. But going passed the stands for the first time Strong Flow hit a fence hard with Walsh doing well to keep the partnership intact.
As Tom's Prize began to fade once in line for home it was Joss Naylor, Hedgehunter and Strong Flow who began to forge clear.
A prodigious leap by Strong Flow at the final ditch three out settled the issue and Paul Nicholls' charge stretched clear to score in great style by 14 lengths with one and a half back to the third, who stayed on well from the rear to pip Hedgehunter.