Many Clouds showed class and bravery in equal measure to win a fine renewal of the BetBright Cup Chase at Cheltenham.
Oliver Sherwood's Hennessy hero added to his sizeable Newbury haul in November with a superb round of fencing under Leighton Aspell.
Smad Place and Dynaste gave chase late on, but the always-prominent Many Clouds (4-1) had enough in reserve to keep the former at bay by a length and a quarter.
"He's improved again," said Aspell.
Many Clouds and Black Thunder went toe to toe for most of the race, albeit hardly setting an electric gallop.
The pace quickened five fences from home, at which point the former gained a slight lead as Black Thunder wilted.
Dynaste, the 5-2 favourite, and Smad Place suddenly arrived on the scene two fences from home, with the stage set for an absorbing finish.
But Aspell's companion always had the edge, striding purposefully clear to add further credence to his Gold Cup claims back at Cheltenham in March.
Aspell added: "At Newbury he gave his all, the tank was empty and we weren't sure.
"He looked fantastic and he trained fantastic but you just never know.
"He gave me a lovely ride round. He's intelligent and spots his fences and he's quick over them.
"If he had finished third or fourth I would have been happy, but that was a lovely performance.
"We love this horse."
Bookmakers were quick to react, with Many Clouds now available at around the 12-1 mark for the Gold Cup on March 13.
Sherwood said: "He got into a really good rhythm and jumped super.
"He was dossing a little bit up the run-in - he was in front for a long time - but we know he gets the trip really well.
"It was important to come here and get him some experience of Cheltenham.
"I'm so pleased he's won as it's my first winner here since the Greatwood in 2000 (Hulysse Royal).
"It's great to have that monkey off my back.
"The dream is still alive. My job now is to get him back here in one piece for March."
Trevor Hemmings also owns Preston North End and is at Deepdale to watch them play Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round.
His racing manager Mick Meagher said: "It was a lovely performance and we're delighted with him.
"He's in the mix now, I guess, for the Gold Cup and he's told us where he's going.
"Mr Hemmings will be absolutely delighted. He's watching Preston today."
Smad Place is set to renew rivalry with Many Clouds in the Gold Cup.
His trainer Alan King said: "We're going for the Gold Cup. I know we were getting 8lb from the winner, but I was pleased with him today.
"I really had to nurse him back. He had a real hard race in the Hennessy. He knew he'd been there.
"I'm delighted with Oliver. We watched the race together and have made a pact to find a little corner and watch the Gold Cup together."
Festival options remain fluid for Dynaste.
His rider Tom Scudamore said: "He ran very well again.
"I was pleased with him and he's just been beaten on the day.
"I could not blame the trip. He had every chance and at the second last we were going as well as the winner.
"We'll sit down and talk about it. All the options are still there. I'm disappointed to get beaten, but I wasn't disappointed with him."