Constitution Hill made a brilliant return to action in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Nico de Boinville set out to make every yard of the running and turning in only stablemate Epatante was within shouting distance of the 1/4 favourite.
She was clumsy at the third last and the winner went through the gears in effortless style to go clear in a matter of strides and saunter to the line to score by 12 lengths.
Winning trainer Nicky Henderson told ITV Racing: "He's an amazing horse. I couldn't have been happier with Epatante and she's run a great race but for him to do that to her is ridiculous really.
"Today Nico goes round on his own but he knows where that button is and when you press it it's extraordinary. I think it has to be the Christmas Hurdle then Champion now. It's a bit sad for Epatante but I have to say this horse has to go to Kempton on Boxing Day now and take it from there."
De Boinville added: "He was very slick and it's just great Michael (Buckley) decided to come here this weekend and the boss was prepared to bring two up for the race. He was just breathtaking today, he gave me such a good feel.
"He felt like he was doing a half speed around there and then when you need him he has the gears. I knew they were bang behind me turning in and it was just a case of going through those gears and he is very slick when you ask him to do it.
"He's getting better and better over his hurdles and he is what he is."
Winning owner Buckley added: "I'm pretty awestruck by him. It's such a privilege to be lucky enough to have a horse like this. He's spectacular to look at, has a wonderful demeanour, everything is easy and I'm lucky to have Nicky and Nico and Barry Geraghty, who is a great friend of mine and who found him as a foal.
"It's just a joy the whole thing - but boy it's stressful!"
Reaction from Epatante team
Epatante’s owner JP McManus was not too disheartened in defeat.
He said: “It’s nice to be beaten by a champion – he looks pretty special doesn’t he? She ran a good race, there’s no complaints.”
Epatante’s jockey Aidan Coleman added: “She did everything right. My job was to follow him and try to have a crack at him up the straight. She followed him, she jumped, she felt great to be fair.”
Sky Bet, Betfair and Paddy Power all make him their 8/11 favourite for the Unibet Champion Hurdle.
Sky Bet Head of Sports PR Michael Shinners said: "That was sensational from Constitution Hill. The way he powered clear of his rivals was exceptional and he is now the one to beat in this season's Champion Hurdle."
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