Crack Away Jack proved himself a genuine Champion Hurdle contender as he defied top weight on his seasonal return to beat Squadron at Chepstow.
The 7-2 chance, trained by Emma Lavelle, was giving 19lb away in weight to Alan King's smart runner-up.
A winner of the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, Crack Away Jack looks on course for a Festival return in 2009.
Under Jack Doyle, he beat 3-1 favourite Squadron, with Super Formen in third.
Race sponsors William Hill cut Crack Away Jack to 8-1 from 12s for the Champion Hurdle.
At Ascot, Night Crescendo (20-1) claimed the big race under a brilliant waiting ride from Jim Crowley.
The Amanda Perrett-trained gelding took the 1m 4f handicap from Pevensey (12-1).
Realtime Radio@Williamhill.co.uk Hurdle 2m½f, Chepstow
1 Crack Away Jack (J Doyle) E Lavelle 7-2
2 Squadron (R Thornton) 3-1f
3 Super Formen (H Skelton) 12-1
12 ran. Dist: 1¼, 3¾
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~28~RS~)