Ned Kelly staked his claim for Istabraq's hurdling crown when taking the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle in impressive fashion.
The heavily backed 11/8 favourite cruised into the lead approaching the final flight and, despite a mistake, stretched clear to beat Liss A Paoraigh by 5L.
The French Furze stayed on best of the remainder a further 2L adrift in third, while Geos dropped away tamely from the home turn to finish sixth.
'He's been working well at home, and has restored our confidence in him,' said trainer Edward O'Grady, who indicated afterwards that the 6yo will head straight for Cheltenham.
Bookmaker reaction was unanimous in slashing Ned Kelly's price for Cheltenham.
Sean Graham are best at 8/1 (from 16/1) with Paddy Power as low as 11/2, while Istabraq is generally on offer at 2/1.
Moscow Flyer is still on course for the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham despite falling at halfway in the Baileys sponsored equivalent.
Jessica Harrington's charge crumbled on landing at the fifth fence, and will bid to make quick amends at Punchestown next Saturday in the Tied Cottage Novice Chase.
'It's just one of those things. He's so quick in the air that he didn't get his landing gear out in time,' reflected Mrs Harrington afterwards.
Jockey Paul Moloney reported that 'he just brushed the fence and skidded on landing', and Cashmans pushed his Cheltenham odds out to 8/1 (from 5's).
Assessed, who was slightly hampered when the 4/6 fav fell, is a top-priced 25/1 with Paddy Power for the 'Arkle' after heading Phariwarmer before the last to score by 11L.
'He was probably a bit lucky with Moscow Flyer falling, but he deserves a crack at Cheltenham now,' said winning trainer Willie Mullins.
J P McManus' purchase of Pietro Vannucci on Friday provided an instant payback as the Noel Meade-trained gelding took the 2m4f novice hurdle.
Paul Carberry's mount struck the front before the last, keeping on well to beat Native Jack by 2 1/2L with long-time leader Canary Wharf 1/2L further back.
'I have been very easy on him since Christmas, but he's improving all the time and travelled better today than he ever has before,' said Meade.
He added, 'I will have to talk to J P before making any plans, but I would love to run him in the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle (14/1 with Cashmans).'
Carberry was completing a double having earlier landed the 2m3f handicap chase aboard Falcon Du Coteau, beating Its Time For A Win and the flattering Tuesday by 1/2L & a neck.
Direct Bearing (6/4-3/1-2/1f) benefitted from a patient ride by Tony McCoy to take the opening 2m maiden hurdle.
Dermot Weld's charge was produced between horses in the straight for a 1/2L victory over Star Clipper, and is quoted at 14/1 by Cashmans for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
'Tony gave him a beautiful ride as he hated the ground. He will go for a winners race, and then we can decide about Cheltenham,' said Weld.
The stewards enquired into the running and riding of Palenski (sixth) in this race, with Jimmy Mansell given a 7 days ban for insufficient effort.
Ruby Walsh added to his earlier victory on Assessed when successful aboard the progressive Native Leisure in the handicap hurdle.
Alan Magee
