Arzal led all the way for a dominant victory in the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree.
Harry Whittington's chaser headed to Merseyside a fresh horse after bypassing the Cheltenham Festival and that appeared to pay dividends.
Ridden positively by Gavin Sheehan on his first attempt at 2m4f, Arzal made all the running and jumped soundly throughout.
A solid leap at the last allowed Sheehan to drive Arzal out to beat JLT Novices' Chase third L'Ami Serge by eight lengths, with the favourite, and Arkle runner-up, Sizing John back in third.
Apple's Jade decisively reversed Triumph Hurdle form with Ivanovich Gorbatov by running out an emphatic winner of the Anniversary 4-Y-O- Juvenile Hurdle.
Bryan Cooper sat in second behind Azzuri through the 2m contest before easing in front on the approach to the third last.
Willie Mullins' filly drew further clear up the home straight to come home 41 lengths clear of Ivanovich Gorbatov, who possibly didn't appreciate the rain-softened ground, and Azzuri.
