Identity Thief took a step up to three miles in his stride to claim the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle at Aintree.
Henry de Bromhead's charge is a Grade One winner over two miles having landed the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle back in 2015, and proved he retains plenty of ability when fourth in last month's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Having never raced beyond two and a half miles, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned eight-year-old was taking a step into the unknown on Merseyside, but saw out the extra distance comfortably to record a first victory since October 2016.
Coole Cody adopted a pacesetting role for much of the way before folding, allowing 6-5 favourite Sam Spinner to take the initiative rounding the home turn.
However, both Identity Thief and Wholestone picked him up fairly readily and it was the former who forged five lengths clear after the final flight in the hands of Sean Flanagan.