Bellator put on a spectacular display of high-speed jumping at Ascot today to climb closer to the top of the two-mile novice chasing division.
He stretched his unbeaten record over fences to three as he put another smart novice Blowing Wind in his place in the P.M.L Lightning Novices' Chase.
With a searching gallop from the outset the time was three seconds faster than recorded by seasoned handicappers earlier on the card.
"We were all very excited by that performance," said trainer Venetia Williams. "They've gone a really good gallop and he's absolutely winged his fences."
Tony McCoy had quickly taken Blowing Wind to the head of affairs, clearly believing that was his best chance of upsetting 8-11 chance Bellator.
But Blowing Wind was never able to establish a substantial lead with Norman Williamson always appearing confident on the favourite.
Bellator found a handy gap on the inside to slip into the lead four out and galloped all the way to the line to score by four lengths from Blowing Wind.
Jungli was never in the race at any stage and trailed in a distance behind in third.
"You have to give plenty of credit to Blowing Wind as he kept on all the way but our horse was very good," said Williams.
"He was mean and angry before he left this morning and I took that to be a good sign."
Bellator now has the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy in his sights but Williams has not ruled out another race before then.
Rockforce is another on the way to the Festival - his target is the Grand Annual Chase - after justifying favouritism in the Racing Channel Handicap Chase.
He followed up his win at Kempton last week as he smoothly dismissed Amancio by three lengths.
"Joe (Tizzard) said he was in front six fences earlier than he wanted to be but it didn't matter in the end," said trainer Paul Nicholls.
"I wouldn't want to over-race this horse as he's had a few problems and we might take him straight to Cheltenham now before going on to Aintree."
Montroe, racing from 8lb out of the handicap, showed plenty of spirit to see off Avanti Express in the Tote Exacta 1-2 Handicap Chase.
But the race was marred by the death of Nicky Richards' long-serving performer Unguided Missile.
The 12-year-old, a winner of 12 races, collapsed after suffering a heart attack.
Lord Sandrovitch will be given a Cheltenham Festival entry after showing improvement to overturn the favourite Highland in the EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.
"I thought it was quite a hot race and he needed to step up on his Fontwell win to take this," said trainer Mark Pitman.
Pitman went on to complete a double when Just Good Fun took care of Smint in the Rosling King Handicap Hurdle.
Adrian Maguire suffered more injury woe when Tilt And Turn crashed in novices' hurdle.
The Irishman, who left the course with his left arm in a sling, was going to the Wexham Park Hospital in Slough for X-rays on a damaged shoulder.
Maguire was in action for the first time since Monday, having given up after just one ride at Doncaster because of a back spasm.
