Racing:Nickname confirmed he will be a major player at Cheltenham in March if he gets his favourable conditions when slamming his rivals by 15 lengths in the Ladbrokes.com Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse.
Handled by Grand National-winning trainer Martin Brassil, the eight-year-old needs to have cut in the ground to be seen at his best.
But after following up his win in a Grade One event at Christmas, he enhanced his reputation as one of the best two-miler chasers around in landing the odds as the even-money favourite.
Settled in the rear by Ruby Walsh behind a decent pace set by Justified, he moved into contention at the third-last along with Watson Lake.
However, when the latter fell at that obstacle, Walsh confidently allowed his mount to take up the running and he quickened up in fine style between the last two fences to win as he liked.
Justified (3-1) stayed on for second, but Central House dropped out quickly.
Both William Hill and VC Bet were impressed enough to shorten Nickname to 12-1 from 16-1 for the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase.