The Big Opal coasted in front and when Fannin urged him along 800 metres from home they quickly had their rivals under pressure.
They were well clear over the final two flights to cruise to the line with five and a half lengths to spare from Kina Win with Tai Ho third.
"He's had a different preparation to last year and he can be quite a bullish horse, but he settled nicely in front today," Fannin said.
Meanwhile, Go Go Gonzo will cap his quick rise through the jumping ranks with a crack at one of the country's most sought after prizes on Wednesday.
He was a dominant winner of Yesterday's Racecourse Hotel Sydenham Hurdles at Riccarton with a performance that left owner-trainer Sean Cameron with no choice but to give the eight-year-old his chance in the Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles.
"He's only in his first year of jumping and he's come a long way in a short time, but we've got to have a go now," he said.
Go Go Gonzo took top honours in the Sydenham by a widening eight and a half lengths from Heistheone with last year's winner Ngario, who then also went on to claim the National, a disappointing third after a cosy run.
- NZ Racing Desk
