With Henderson looking for a decisive answer for Captain Conan's Cheltenham target, his charge looked in trouble some way out as
Third Intention forged clear.
Last year's winner
Third Intention, who fell in the Topham Chase over the Grand National fences in April, is entered by his trainer Colin Tizzard in the Old Roan again.
Tizzard said: "
Third Intention has always had loads of ability, although I still don't really know whether he's a two-and-a-half or four-miler!
His son Joe gives both a squeak and said: "
Third Intention ran a super race when second at Sandown last time and this was always his target.
Third Intention didn't let the form down subsequently when showing up well in some quality races through the winter.
Third Intention (11-8) had been placed, albeit distantly, behind Dynaste in both the Feltham at Kempton and the Mildmay at Aintree, but a breathing operation may now see him in a better light.
IN THE CLEAR Joe Tizzard guides
Third Intention over the last before going on to win the totepool National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell
Following wins at Doncaster and Wetherby, Local Hero is clearly a bright prospect but this is his biggest test so far with Colin Tizzard's Newbury winner
Third Intention and Indian Daudaie, from the Paul Nicholls' yard, the dangers.
Last year's first two,
Third Intention and God's Own, both return off the same mark as 12 months ago but this year the opposition includes several unexposed chasers near the bottom of the weights that might have been thought more likely to target Cheltenham.
Tom George's three-time Grade One winner made a decent reappearance in the Old Roan at Merseyside's other racecourse, Aintree, when a fast-finishing second to
Third Intention last weekend.
Jacob then teamed up with Tizzard to win the Oak Loans And Mortgage Graduation Chase on
Third Intention, who was winning over fences for just the second time having been placed in some big races last season.
Third Intention has plenty of top-level experience but can be somewhat inconsistent.