Nicky Henderson admitted Une Artiste would probably be forced to clash with four-time David Nicholson winner Quevega at Cheltenham as she advertised her own credentials in the 32Red.com Mares' Hurdle at Sandown.
The 7-4 shot was given a fine tactical ride by Barry Geraghty, who capitalised by kicking on early from the front and confirmed recent Wetherby superiority with runner-up Alasi by a length and three-quarters.
"Barry made the most of her in the soft ground, and there was nothing else the rest could do," said Henderson.
"We are getting to the point where we are going to have to go for (the David Nicholson), unless Quevega goes for the World Hurdle instead. I think there's another two-and-a-half (mile) race here later in the season too."
The 10-11 favourite Kentford Grey Lady was third, with trainer Emma Lavelle blaming the lack of pace.
Gary Moore and his son Josh pulled off a fairly big shock in the £32 Bonus At 32Red Casino Juvenile Hurdle.
The Paul Nicholls representative For Two went off the 1-3 favourite after showing promise on his British debut, but Daryl Jacob's mount could not find quite enough in a duel with Moore's 20-1 newcomer Knight Of Pleasure and gave best by two and a quarter lengths.
"He has always worked like a good horse but he had never seen a racecourse and I thought Paul Nicholls' horse would be good enough to beat him on ratings," said Moore.
"There are two obvious targets (Triumph Hurdle and a Grade One at Aintree), as I wouldn't think he would win a Fred Winter having beaten a horse rated 138."
13 May 2013
Fabre confirms Ocovango for EpsomAspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout
12 May 2013
No hurry for Jammy plansGuest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning
11 May 2013
Felix foot-perfect on fencing debutCavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory
10 May 2013
Telescope focus is on DanteBlinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests