Copper Bleu idled on the run to the line but collected the spoils in the opening race on Ladies' Day at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday.
Philip Hobbs' eight-year-old, fourth in last year's Supreme Novices', went two better to win the Jewson Novices' Handicap Chase under a superb Richard Johnson ride.
The 12-1 shot was pestered by a loose horse at the top of the hill but he evaded any potential danger to cruise up behind long-time leader Fiendish Flame approaching the second last at which he jumped to the front.
Othermix, sent off at massive odds of 50-1, in the hands of Paddy Brennan, looked the biggest danger coming to the last but a good jump at the final obstacle saw the eventual victor hit the ground with a couple of lengths to spare.
Johnson still had to a bit to do but he saw out the trip well to hold off the late challenge of Othermix by three-and-a-half lengths.
Irish raiders, The Midnight Club and China Rock filled the remaining places at odds of 16-1 and 9-1 respectively.
Copper Bleu was giving the Hobbs-Johnson team their second win of the Festival after Menorah's success in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Tuesday.
"He ran well here last year (fourth in the Supreme) and I always felt on that form he had a good chance today," Johnson said.
"The tongue-tie helped and I think the extra trip has also helped today.
"He was having a look around on the run-in but it's just fantastic to have a winner.
"It's a funny place when you are on your own. He wasn't stopping, he was just looking around."