Paul Nicholls© Photo Healy Racing
Zubayr came from last to first to give Paul Nicholls his fourth victory in the BetBright #realfansonly Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton.
Without a win in two Flat starts in France, the Authorized gelding changed hands for 380,000 euros and travelled nicely in the rear of the field for Nick Scholfield as Azzuri blazed a trail in front.
The pacesetter was still well clear entering the home straight, but Scholfield edged through the field on the 9-1 chance and after taking up the running at the last, he stayed on well to beat Azzuri by three and three-quarter lengths.
Nicholls landed the Adonis in 2011 with subsequent Triumph Hurdle winner Zarkandar, who was also making his British debut in the Kempton contest, and Paddy Power make Zubayr a 6-1 chance to emulate him at Cheltenham.
Scholfield said: " He was half asleep early doors, but when the penny dropped he woke up. I really liked the way his stamina kicked in."
Nicholls confirmed the JCB-sponsored Triumph on March 18 will be the next stop.
The Ditcheat trainer said: "He's just a mirror of Zarkandar that horse, and at least we know where we're going now and that's straight to Cheltenham.
"To be honest three weeks ago I would not have run him, as he was that backwards in his coat. The first time we schooled him on the grass was yesterday and he has just come alive over the last three weeks.
"We will go to the Triumph Hurdle now and are thrilled with him. He's a real true stayer and Nick said the faster they go, the better it will suit him.
"He's laid-back and has taken a while to come to himself, and on this performance it puts him up there with the best of them. It's impressive to win a race like that first time out."
