Zarkandar proved his Champion Hurdle credentials with an impressive win in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.
Without a run since his victory in the Matalan Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in April the five-year-old looked beaten when he came under pressure early in the straight.
When Tony McCoy parted company with Darlan at the second last, the race appeared to be between Sailors Warn and Sire De Grugy but both Raya Star and Get Me Out Of Here were pitting in big runs.
However, none were going as well as Zarkandar who stayed on brilliantly for Ruby Walsh and he came up between runners to take it up.
Once in the lead he pulled away to win by a length and a quarter from Get Me Out Of Here with Raya Star third.
"I kind of knew there was going to be no pace on but, in fairness to a horse with only three runs, I didn't see any of the first four hurdles so there was no way he did either," Walsh said.
"He jumped impeccably and stayed on really well in the straight. He's the first horse in 40 years to win this race without a prep run, and that says enough in itself.
"He showed what you need to win a Champion Hurdle - stamina. He outstayed them and pulled up when he got to the front.
"He's going to improve a ton for the experience of the race, but time will tell."
Nicholls added: "There is huge improvement in him between now and Cheltenham. "I had him right today, but I was training him with Cheltenham in mind.
"I was worried about his lack of experience, but he's progressive and keeps winning.
"He needs to improve, but he'll definitely go forward from here. He worked great two days ago and he always gallops to the line."