Sir Alex Ferguson's latest star horse who cost him and pals £350,000 is being aimed at the Cheltenham Festival.
Hermes Allen was an impressive winner at the Gloucestershire track on day one of its November Meeting.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, he swatted away a strong Irish challenge to win the Grade Two Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle on Friday.
Part-owned by Manchester United legend Sir Alex, who chipped in with friends to buy the expensive purchase, he was given a supremely confident ride by Harry Cobden.
Travelling well at the head of affairs, Hermes Allen (9-4) began to up the pace after the penultimate flight – and his six opponents found it too hot to handle.
Willie Mullins' 6-4 favourite Hubrisko threatened briefly but had no more to give behind the impressive scorer.
Three-and-a-half lengths clear at the final jump, Hermes Allen extended his advantage to nine from the Gordon Elliott-trained Music Drive.
William Hill go 10-1 that the point-to-point graduate can follow up in the Festival race, carrying the same title but Grade 1 status, next March.
"Bryony [Frost], to be fair, said he was a real racehorse and the improvement he’s made from that day (Rules debut) to today has been phenomenal; he’s jumped better, he’s worked better and really moved forward," 13-times champion trainer Nicholls said.
"He’s a proper horse."
The Ditcheat handler, who has withdrawn the same owners' Monmiral from today's Grade 2 Arkle trial, indicated the top level Challow Hurdle could be on Hermes Allen's radar.
Co-owner John Hales revealed he "got a lot of stick" for paying a six-figure sum for the future chaser at the sales.
But the longstanding racing supporter was left more than satisfied by his all-the-way triumph.
"That was a great win. He has taken them apart," Hales said.
"When you front run it is always a gamble but he just pulled away again."
