The subsequent record of the winners of Ireland's richest handicap hurdle at Cheltenham may be less than inspiring, but Grinkov is now as low as 12 to 1 for the festival after proving the form book dead right.
The official view that the Pat Hughes-trained six-year-old had 9lb in hand proved devastatingly accurate as Grinkov put three lengths between himself and Ricardo, after travelling with ominous certainty throughout in what is usually one of the most competitive races of the year.
Of course, it was only ominous for the bookmakers, who where hit on the track from 7 to 1 to 11 to 2, but it wasn't just Grinkov's backers that were impressed with the performance.
Hughes, winning the £100,000 contest for the second year running, almost immediately ruled out Newbury's Tote Gold Trophy or any other handicap and nominated the Capel Cure Supreme Novices' Hurdle as Grinkov's main target.
That provoked Paddy Power to cut Grinkov four points to 12 to 1 for that race, and while Grinkov's Christmas conqueror, Ned Kelly, now looks to have an even extra sheen to his reputation, Hughes didn't seem particularly worried.
"The only time he hasn't run well was in Down Royal in November and the yard was going through a low period at the time," said Hughes.
That lack of worry might also be explained by a victory that had been teased out from last year. "After he won at Galway the plan was to come here, and it's worked out great," said Charlie Swan, who demonstrated typical big-race cool.
Grinkov was rarely worse than fifth, and even more rarely off the rail, throughout. When his pace-setting stable companion, Lawz, eventually gave way it was Grinkov who was easily travelling the best and hard as Ricardo tried, he was never going to get on terms.
Barnbrook Again was the last winner of the race to subsequently win at Cheltenham - and that was in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. But while Grinkov yesterday brought off plan A, his plan B could be just as exciting.
Ned Kelly's form had earlier also been boosted by Bust Out's easy success in the first race, and Jessica Harrington's runner will also have a novice engagement at the Cheltenham festival.
"Don't ask me which one but he will be entered for the Supreme Novices and the SunAlliance," said Harrington, and Bust Out has a 20 to 1 quote for both from Paddy Power.
Ross Moff was another to get a festival quote after making an almost faultless debut over fences in the Fitzpatrick Hotel Novice Chase. Tony Martin's former smart hurdler is as low as 10 to 1 for the SunAlliance Chase, although yesterday's race lost its competitive edge with the defection of Over The Furze.
Micko's Dream received a superb ride from Ruby Walsh to defy topweight in the Leopardstown Chase. "That was a brilliant ride," said trainer Willie Mullins. "We decided on a change of tactics and Ruby settled the horse so well."
But if Micko's Dream displayed courage, then Beechcourt made the sort of debut in the bumper that oozed potential, so much so in fact that he is a 4 to 1 favourite with one firm for the Cheltenham festival bumper.
The Michael O'Brien-trained youngster cantered home in a Taney Flat Race, where there were any number of highly regarded newcomers. A lot of reputations were smashed, however, by one horse embellishing his, and intriguingly Beechcourt is on sale.
"This is going to be a very good horse," said O'Brien after Gary Walshe's mount put 12 easy lengths between himself and Prince Of Tara. He doesn't look too bad now.
Yesterday's attendance of 10,336 was up 3,086 on last year, while the bookmaker turnover was up £253,018 to £1,148,722. The Tote was also up £141,049 to £365,976. There was one Jackpot winner, who picked up £34,057.
