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Oneway (5-2) showed admirable resolution to outpoint his rivals and maintain his unbeaten record for the season as he took the Sodexho Prestige Handicap Chase.

The Mark Rimell-trained eight-year-old must surely be one of the most improved performers on the scene at present, continually defying ever-higher handicap marks in better races.

Coming to the final fence it seemed as if punters had got it right, with well-backed favourite Great Travel touching down upsides leader Impek and seemingly going strongest of all.

But the famous uphill finish at Sandown has caught out many a talented performer and Great Travel found nothing close home, allowing Impek to go past again, only for Oneway to come flying past both on the outside for a one-and-a-half-length victory.

Oneway still has some way to go before he gets anywhere near to being mentioned in the same breath as brilliant two-milers such as Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop and Well Chief, the trio who dominate the ante-post market for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

But at least this success gives his connections the first chance realistically to consider a tilt at that prize, for which his price was cut to 20-1 from 33-1 by totesport.

"I never like to make these decisions in the heat of the moment so we'll go home now and have a think about it," said Rimell.

"He'll be entered in the Grand Annual, we'll see what weight he gets and decide between that and the Champion Chase.

"I very nearly didn't enter him - when I put him in the race I was really only dreaming. I've been trying not to think about it, but for the first time now the dream looks slightly more realistic."