As expected, Master Minded won the Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase here on Wednesday afternoon.
This wasn't the jaw-dropping demolition of his field that sent him spiralling to the top of the official handicap ratings last 12 months - but it was mighty effective.
Professional is the best description. He never seemed to be in any danger of defeat, although there seemed to be a danger he may never race when two false starts added to the drama.
Marodima seemed to know he need a 30-second head start on the red-hot favourite to stand any chance. He didn't get one.
If there was a worry for those who played at the short odds during the race it was the stride or two after the second last when Ruby Walsh set sail for home.
The response wasn't instant. Petit Robin wasn't falling hopelessly behind, but the gap gradually grew. It was five lengths by the last - seven by the line.
Petit Robin was overhauled for second by Well Chief, running a remarkable race on his belated return to action.
Here was a tantalising glimpse of what might have been. David Pipe's charge is used to slugging it out with the big guns. He eyeballed Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop often enough to know a good one when he sees one.
A line to that pair through Well Chief circa 2009 is a tenuous one. We'll never know how he would have coped with the best of yesteryear. Let's just enjoy Master Minded for what he is - the best two-mile chaser of his generation.
Elsewhere Ireland's remarkable Festival got even better - their strength in the novice hurdling and chasing divisions suggesting they will return to the sport's top table in the very near future.
Master Minded is already there. Ruthless, professional, the champion chaser.
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