Hearts cruised into the Scottish Cup quarter finals with the demolition of hapless Aberdeen.
And they will immediately be installed as bookies' favourites to win the trophy they last won in 1998, particularly with the Old Firm now out.
Hearts started slowly and their keeper Craig Gordon made saves from a Scott Severin header and Jamie Smith's long-range drive.
But the home side conjured up a brilliant opener when Calum Elliot found Michal Pospisil with his right-wing cross, and the Czech striker hammered a fantastic volley past James Langfield.
Aberdeen were furious not to be given a penalty when Stevie Crawford was pulled back in the box by Andrew Webster, and at that point their chances of a comeback all but left them.
Hearts went further in front on 34 minutes and again the problems came down the flanks as Deividas Cesnauskis got to the by-line and squared for Elliot to score from close range.
And Hearts wrapped things up before the break when Alexander Diamond was red- carded for fouling Pospisil from behind and referee Kenny Clark pointed to the spot. Skipper Steven Pressley rammed home the spot-kick, and Hearts could take it easy in the second half as they coasted home.
Gordon produced a brilliant save to deny Barry Nicholson from close range, and new signing Jose Goncalves made a wonderful tackle to deny substitute John Stewart a certain goal.
It was all too easy for Hearts in the end.