Course specialist Midnight Chase led his rivals a merry dance to win the Argento Chase at Cheltenham for trainer Neil Mulholland
Third in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby last time out, a return to his favourite track saw him back to his best.
Little Josh harried him for most of the race before his stamina gave way and it was the mercurial Tidal Bay who emerged as his main rival at the second last.
Two big leaps sealed the victory though, and Dougie Costello drove him out for a two-and-three-quarter length win.
Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert faded tamely as Knockara Beau ran on for third.
To complete a miserable day for trainer Philip Hobbs, who saw his Arkle hope Menorah fall at Doncaster, Captain Chris was pulled up early on the first circuit.
He jumped alarmingly out to his right at the first few fences before Richard Johnson pulled him up.
Winning trainer Neil Mulholland said: "I'm delighted, we've had a bad time so this is great.
"We just haven't had the horses. We've had success for a couple of years and a lot are badly handicapped.
"Him and Dougie get on great together."
"I thought he was in the same form as a year ago but he's got stronger and he's very genuine.
"He loves racing and he loves Cheltenham so he has to go for the Gold Cup after that."
Paul Nicholls said of Tidal Bay: "I'm pleased for the horse and he's had a good run round. We can make a plan now but we'll keep all options open."
George Charlton said of Knockara Beau: "We'll be back in March, probably for a handicap."
