The old champion proved too strong for the current title-holder as Hardy Eustace claimed the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.
Dessie Hughes' charge proved too tough a nut to crack as he produced a gutsy front-running performance to repel Brave Inca by three-lengths.
Conor O'Dwyer's mount was joined over the last but had too much in reserve for Brave Inca as he asserted close home.
'He was probably a bit unlucky at Cheltenham against Detroit City last time and I would be quietly confident of turning it around,' said Hughes afterwards.
'He will be 5lb better off and the better ground will suit. He has won on heavy but is a serious horse on good ground.
'He'll go for the Red Mills Hurdle now. It's seven weeks to Cheltenham and if I take him to Gowran I don't have to work him. Conor said he's better than ever.'
Colm Murphy is also expecting better from Brave Inca on good ground at Cheltenham: 'It was a hell of a race! He was beaten fair and square today but I would like to think there is a bit of improvement to come on better ground in March.'
Dessie Hughes was completing a big-race double having also claimed the Baileys Arkle Chase with Schindlers Hunt.
Roger Loughran stretched the field when kicking on two out in the Grade 1 event and the 8/13f kept on well on the run-in to see off the challenge of King Johns Castle by two lengths.
The gelding, who doesn't hold an entry for the Arkle at Cheltenham, will be aimed at Fairyhouse.
'It was a very good performance - he idled a bit in front,' said Hughes. 'He'll go for the Power Gold Cup and we might find something in England in between.
'We'll look at the Ascot Chase (February 17th). He's always been a nice individual. He has pace and a bit of class.'
Kazal once again proved his toughness when prevailing by a head from Aitmatov in the Toshiba Copier Novice Hurdle.
'Three miles is what he wants and he's improving all the time. If the ground came up soft he could go for the Brit Insurances Hurdle at Cheltenham,' said trainer Eoin Griffin.
Scotsirish may have booked himself a trip to Cheltenham after causing a 20/1 shock in the opening maiden hurdle.
'He's in the Ballymore Properties and on that run I would be keen to take him across. The better ground will suit him,' said winning trainer Willie Mullins.
Carrigeen Kalmia proved a willing partner for Liz Lalor when staying on strongly in the closing stages to pip In The High Grass in the Clarkson Financial & Property Handicap Chase.
Jet Propelled benefited form a typically power-packed Tony McCoy ride when claiming the handicap hurdle while Emmet Mullins partnered his first winner under rules when Arbor Supreme ran out an easy winner of the bumper.
