He dug in deep in the closing stages to edge out Bothy in a thrilling finish, giving 27lb to the runner-up to illustrate that he is a real contender for the Champion Hurdle back here in March, for which he is now best-priced 10/1 with Totesport and Paddy Power.
The winner ranged up into contention on the outside as they raced around the final bend and Hobbs said: "It was a very good performance, especially as he went so wide - the ground was better there.
"He's only five so I hope there's room for improvement. I hope he's as good as Rooster Booster and Detroit City. He needs a strong pace, which is why he came here, and I certainly hope he can become a Champion Hurdle horse.
"He was rated 151 today but he should have a fair bit of improvement in him and the Champion Hurdle route is the one we will take before going chasing next year."
A slight mistake at the last did not prove costly to Menorah, who was given high praise from Johnson. He said: "He just nodded after the last, but knuckled down and found more when I asked him. He's very good, obviously he was very good last year, and we're finding the key to him.
"Rooster Booster was very special, but Menorah's not far behind."
Menorah (left) digs deep to win the Greatwood Hurdle under top-weight
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