Zarkandar enhanced his claims for the StanJames.com Champion Hurdle with a decisive defeat of a rejuvenated Khyber Kim in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton to clinch a treble at his local course for champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
The 1-3 shot delighted Nicholls as he made it three wins from as many starts this season under Daryl Jacob.
He was in control from the second-last, although the four-and-a-half-length margin of victory would have been less had Khyber Kim not made a mistake at both of the last two flights.
The Champion Hurdle sponsors were impressed and cut him to 9-2 (from 5s) behind 13-8 favourite Hurricane Fly.
Nicholls said: "That was a proper job. I'm relaxed now that my horses have run well in the big trials, and they can't go quick enough for Zarkandar. The great thing about him is that he keeps finding, and we don't know how much more there is to come.
"The old course will suit him at the Festival and the softer it is, the better for him. That final hill at Cheltenham suits him, he will relish that."
Jacob said: "I gave him a nice blow before the last two and he picked up well, he's a real tiger."
Nicholls added that Jacob would ride Zarkandar unless anything happened to Ruby Walsh's mount Hurricane Fly. The trainer was also pleased with Celestial Halo, who now heads for the World Hurdle after finishing fourth.
Paddy Brennan had hopes of upsetting the winner on Khyber Kim rounding the home turn and said: "Swinging in I thought I would win. I gave him a blow and he just put down at the last. Mr Henderson has done a great job to get him back, and I think hell come on a ton for that."
Nicholls also struck with Benvolio (17-2) in the Bathwick Tyres Yeovil Handicap Hurdle and Minellahalfcentury (3-1) in the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Novices' Hurdle.
20 June 2013
Opportunity knocks for Green DoorPretending has to be real stayer
Stack hopes are alive and kicking
Rock ready to roll
Estimate takes Gold test
Happy ending for Annecdote
Doyle hits treble top on Rizeena
Doyle fits the bill in Hunt Cup
Kazeem crowned Prince of Ascot
Cambridge Dun and dusted
19 June 2013
Godolphin swoop for LibertarianToronado pointed towards Goodwood
O'Brien keeps faith in Camelot
Perfect Ten in Jersey
Plenty of rain needed for Approval
Banoffee pencilled in for Haydock
Classic rematch in Coronation
Guest has excellent chance
Brittain sweet on Rizeena
Team O'Brien hope for perfect Ten
Chigun aiming for Cambridge glory
Camelot bids for redemption
O'Neill ace proves too sharp
Ballydoyle in command in Coventry
Dawn delivers in thriller
Sole powers to sprint glory
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18 June 2013
Stevens is king of the CastleAl Thani snaps up Sandiva
Minute's silence remembers Cecil
Duntle on Cambridge duty
Alive and Just in Ribblesdale mix
Passage heads Gold field
Deegan considers Soprano options
Toro out for Palace glory
Cecil's words not lost on Ponsonby
Dawn out for Palace redemption
Hawkwood supplemented for Hardwicke
Flotilla To Drop Back In Trip
Cecil's Chigun in Cambridge action
Al Kazeem and Camelot clash again
De Kock hoping to make history
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17 June 2013
Magician set for Palace showdownCat clings on for Carroll
Three more winners for Lady Cecil
Monaghan delivers on Midnight
Treve in stunning Diane win
Sapphire target for Trees
Beckett mulls Secret options
Nicholls has broken wrist