Blowing Wind continued his ascent towards the higher reaches of the novice chase ranks with a sure-footed display at Leicester today.
The former high-class hurdler, trained by Martin Pipe, showed great zest for his task in the Groby Novices' Chase as he completed a double over the larger obstacles.
The easy-to-back 5-4 favourite made most of the running but appeared to have a fight on his hands as main market rival Serenus moved alongside threateningly between the last two.
But once Tony McCoy shook the reins Blowing Wind pulled away to defeat his rival by nine lengths.
Chevalier Errant, running for the first time since being banned for 40 days under the non-triers' rule, was a creditable third.
Blowing Wind, winner of the Scottish Champion Hurdle in 1998, did not appear keen on jumping fences when well beaten on his chasing debut.
But his performances since then suggest he is gradually taking to the new discipline.
"People have been saying a few unkind words about him but he looked pretty game to me here," said Pipe's representative Craig Wylie.
"He jumped really well but I would imagine he would be kept to a similar race for his next outing."
Blowing Wind's principal owner Peter Deal has plenty to look forward to with his Champion Hurdle winner Make A Stand set to return to action.
"The horse is back in full work and will be going for the Champion Hurdle again," reported Wylie.
Pipe and McCoy teed up a double when Hugo de Perro easily justified odds of 1-2 in the Nomad Novices' Hurdle.
The Irish recruit, carrying the colours of leading owner David Johnson, made all and cruised home nine lengths ahead of Miss Tehente.
The reluctant Elouis, also owned by Johnson, was unable to complete the treble for Pipe and McCoy.
The 11-10 favourite travelled on the bridle for most of the journey but refused to go through with his effort in the final stages of the Chieftain Claiming Hurdle.
He eventually trailed in third behind Our Slimbridge and Native Field.
Our Slimbridge's trainer Tony Carroll could be seen out on the course standing next to the final flight, urging on his horse and rider.
"I wanted to make sure he came up the right side," said Carroll. "But I like to go out on the track anyway to keep out of the way of the owner!"
Our Slimbridge, now 12, has been a tremendous servant to Carroll. "I won on him seven times as a rider and he gave me my first winner as a trainer," he said.
"He's great for the stable, very honest and a lovely horse to have anything to do with."
The consistent Red Ark notched his third success of the season when finding the better pace on the run-in to defeat the favourite Hitchhiker in the Leicester Novices' Handicap Chase.
The victory was a boost for County Durham-based Norman Mason who is soon set to take the wraps off Martell Grand National candidate Red Marauder after a long spell on the sidelines.
Dean Gallagher took his seasonal tally to 30 when steering home Fair And Fancy in the Dove Selling Handicap Hurdle.
