Newbay Prop gave punters a fright before landing a massive gamble in the Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
Tony Martin's charge, backed from 8/1 to 7/2f, was almost down at the fourth last but for a great recovery by partner Robbie Colgan.
The gelding was delivered to challenge at the last and found extra in the closing stages to get up by the narrowest of margins from Camptect.
'That's great, he done it well and the young fella gave him a great ride. He would have been an unlucky loser if he had come down - he jumped perfect throughout,' said Martin.
The winner is 'well entered up' and race sponsors Ladbrokes cut him from 40/1 to 25/1 for the Welsh National.
Lenrey proved a cosy winner of a competitive looking contest for the Labrokes Handicap Hurdle.
Philip Carberry produced the gelding to lead at the last and he was easing down near the line for a three-and-a-half length victory over Artist's Muse.
'We were hoping to go chasing with him but he kept getting balloted out, so we decided to take our chance here,' said winning trainer Arthur Moore.
'The way he won you would have to think about giving him another run over hurdles. He should get himself into the weights for the Pierse Hurdle after that and we'll have a look at it.'
Sir Frederick will be aimed at Grade 1 company over Christmas after getting off the mark over fences in the beginners chase.
Liam Burke's charge survived a mistake three out to lead before the last for a cosy five-and-a-half length success.
The Powers Whisky Novice Chase at Leopardstown is next on the agenda: 'He always threatened to do that. He was good over hurdles but has disappointed over fences until this. I always thought he would make a better chaser.'
The Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham is a long-term target for Sophist who battled gamely to land the opening Grade 3 juvenile Hurdle.
Philip Enright produced the Montjeu gelding to challenge two out and he edged ahead of Financial Reward at the last before going on for a two-and-a-half length victory.
Monaghan trainer John McConnell was saddling his fourth winner since taking his licence out two-and-a-half years ago.
Sabrina Harty's decision to step Bulhill Flyer up in class paid dividends when the gelding led close home to land the Bee Bee Developments Hurdle.
The 33/1 shot wore down Breathing Fire in the dying strides to get up for a length victory under Shane Hassett.
Johnnie Dilinger asserted after the last to claim the Kildownet Group Maiden Hurdle while Shirley Casper pulled right away in the closing stages to claim the bumper in great style.
