Beef Or Salmon is on target for the James Nicholson Chase at Down Royal in a fortnight following a promising second on his reappearance over hurdles.
The popular ten-year-old gelding was well-backed (5/1-5/2) despite running over an inadequate two miles, and stayed on well from two out under Andrew McNamara behind easy winner Pedrobob.
'That was a good workout and I'm very pleased. The plan at the moment is to go to Down Royal, with the Betfair Chase at Haydock the other option,' said Michael Hourigan.
He added, 'It's possible Church Island could go to Haydock. Andrew is our first jockey now and the owners are happy for him to ride.'
McNamara was also pleased with the performance saying, 'The trip was much too short and he was only getting going in the straight.'
Tony Mullins was equally happy with the Davy Russell-ridden winner Pedrobob commenting, 'He was in good form last summer winning three bumpers but we always thought he would handle soft ground.'
'He could be difficult to place as a second season hurdler and may go over fences. He's schooled well but I'll have to talk it over with Barry Connell (owner).'
Glenfinn Captain got a 25/1 quote from Cashmans for the Arkle Chase after making an impressive debut over fences in the two miles beginners race.
The Tom Taaffe-trained gelding, a Grade 2 winner over hurdles last season, made all under Barry Geraghty and easily accounted for Khetaam by eight lengths.
'You would have to be delighted with that and he put up a good jumping performance. We won't aim too high for the moment and I think he'll be better on good ground,' said Taaffe.
Taaffe reports stablestar Kicking King 'in good order' and on course to reappear at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting in the Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase over 2m1f.
Merdeka is another exciting novice chaser for this season and, while not as forward as some of some in Taaffe's yard, could go for a 2m4f beginners chase at Down Royal in a fortnight.
David Kelly (29), from Ballygar, Co Galway, saddled his first winner when Killeroran Kash headed Mocha Mystery on the run-in under Robert Power to take the handicap hurdle.
Ryanair supremo Michael O'Leary was on hand to greet Royal Man after the French-bred showed great reserves of stamina to land the three miles beginners chase under Conor O'Dwyer.
'We put the cheek-pieces on as he idles a bit but he jumped well and will probably go now into handicaps,' said trainer Charlie Swan.
Judge Deed responded to a strong drive by Nina Carberry to make a winning debut in the geldings bumper, while Grangeclare Lark (Bob Hennessy) proved an easy winner of the mares race.
John Berry views Abbeybraney as 'a three mile chaser in the making' after the big five-year-old took the 2m2f maiden hurdle in convincing fashion.
Robbie Moran's mount headed odds-on favourite G'Day Mate after three out and drew right away on the testing ground to score by 22 lengths.
Alan Magee
