Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Thistlecrack continued his education over fences with victory in the Grade Two bet365 Novices' Chase at Newbury.
The Colin Tizzard-trained World Hurdle hero was having his third outing over larger obstacles, following wins at Chepstow and Cheltenham, and was sent straight to the head of affairs by Tom Scudamore.
Festival winner Ibis Du Rheu attempted to get upsides from time to time, but the 1-8 favourite never had to engage top gear at any stage, producing a virtually faultless round of jumping.
Bigbadjohn denied Ibis Du Rheu the runner-up spot, some eight lengths behind the impressive winner.
Coral and William Hill left Thistlecrack unchanged at 7-2 and 100-30 respectively for the Gold Cup in March.
Tizzard said: "I don't think it gets any better than that.
"He was immaculate. He was brilliant.
"We came here because what went on at Cheltenham - he was a bit sketchy then.
"Any fears we had about Cheltenham last week were put to bed.
"We needed to get some runs into him before we decide what to do at Christmas."
Tizzard went on: "He looked more professional. He just guessed a bit last time and that's why we ran him today, for the experience.
"The good thing about him is that he gives the fences plenty of daylight. The first time Tom really asked him was at the last and he was good at that.
"He did look as good as a novice gets today."
On future plans, Tizzard, whose yard houses King George and Betfair Chase winner Cue Card, said: "He learned plenty from Cheltenham and whatever schooling you do at home they still have to do it on the racecourse.
"He was right on his game today and is probably just about getting fit now.
"You could not dream of it going any better, but as he was 1-8 you half expect it.
"I can't believe I am talking about these sorts of horse, it's lovely for us as a family yard and it just shows it can be done.
"The King George is a real test for any horse and I'm not sure he is ready for that yet. We will leave him in it for a while, just in case. All options need to be talked about.
"We've got to mind this horse, as we don't want to go up the ladder six strides at a time and then slip back down."
