Definitly Red made nearly every yard of the running to win the 188bet.co.uk Many Clouds Chase at Aintree.
Brian Ellison's strong stayer was sent off the 9/4 joint-favourite along with Cloudy Dream and they had it to themselves from some way out.
While Malcolm Jefferson's grey, who runs in the Trevor Hemmings colours of Many Clouds, travelled supremely strongly for most of the race, he was found wanting at the finish as he tried three miles for the first time in heavy ground
Danny Cook asked Definitly Red for several big leaps on the way round and his mount kept on responding and after seeing off Cloudy Dream from two out, came home unchallenged.
The winner is 25/1 for the Grand National with Sky Bet, who make Blaklion favourite after his earlier success in the Becher.
Ellison said: "He was brilliant today, his jumping was immaculate, that's what won him it.
"We knew the others might have stamina worries so Danny could be aggressive on him.
"I don't know where we'll go next, we could even look for a three-mile hurdle for him somewhere.
"We'll give him plenty of time to get over this, but I'd say we won't be aiming at Cheltenham.
"The plan will be to be back at Aintree in April for the Grade One Bowl, I think.
"He doesn't mind good ground, he just doesn't like it tacky like it was at Wetherby in the Charlie Hall."
