Finian's Rainbow and Barry Geraghty triumphed in the John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree.
Nicky Henderson's star won the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham and was impressive again here despite demolishing a rail before the Grade One race and jumping moderately throughout the contest itself.
However the 13-8 favourite had enough class to see off Wishfull Thinking (15-2) before the last fence and he stormed clear up the run-in.
Philip Hobbs' runner bounced back to form for Richard Johnson and held every chance turning in but was no match for the winner, whilst Albertas Run (11-4), winner of the race in 2010, faded into third having helped to cut out the early pace with Poquelin.
Thomas Cooper's Forpadydeplasterer finished fourth but was well held.
Henderson said: "Last year as a novice he was trying to do everything in a terrible rush. He was only a bit quieter here last year because he'd had a hard race at Cheltenham.
"He grew up last summer for some reason and suddenly became sensible. This season he's been much more amenable.
"You'd always expect this fella to stay. Last year he looked an out and out two-miler because he was doing it in such a rush.
"Today he was always in a comfortable position just behind and you just hoped he was in cruise control and he probably was. When he switched him on he picked it up very quickly.
"We've got all summer to think about next season, but we're in a good position to be able to think about things. He's won the Champion Chase, he's won this. He goes to bed with all the medals."
Owner Michael Buckley said: "He's pretty special. "I wasn't worried about him stepping up in trip. The ground is probably a little on the soft side for him now, but he's very relaxed now and acts like a stayer, like we always thought he would be.
"How far he'll stay I've no idea."
Wishfull Thinking's trainer Philip Hobbs said: "It's good to see him back and he ran a much better race.
"It's been a very frustrating season but we schooled him straight away after Cheltenham and he's been absolutely fine.
"We'd have to think about Punchestown, as it's not very far away."
Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Albertas Run, said: "I don't think it's because he had a hard race at Cheltenham. I'm a bit worried his old problems have come back.
"He looked like he might have been feeling his leg a bit. We'll just have to get him home and see, but he certainly won't be running again this season."