Winner Sous Les Cieux and runner-up Galileo's Choice emerged from the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle with their reputations enhanced as the two miler produced a cracking spectacle.
Ruby Walsh had Sous Les Cieux right on the strong gallop set by Dazzling Susie and he took over in the straight and jumped the last couple of hurdles brilliantly. However Galileo's Choice chased him all the way up the run-in but in truth never quite looked like bridging the gap. The margin between the pair at the line was a length and a quarter and they left Miss Nomer fifteen lengths back in third.
Successful trainer Willie Mullins said: "He exceeded what I thought he'd do and he had to do it the hard way as he took it up a good bit out.
"He enjoyed his jumping and I'm happy that he'll improve from that. He's very light-mouthed but other than that he's uncomplicated.
"We'll look forward to his next run now and we'll see how he comes out of this. He could go for the two miler at Christmas or we could wait for the Deloitte & Touche.
"I'd imagine he'll stay further but at the moment we're happy over two miles.
"The ground was pretty tacky today but he handled it and I think he'll go on good ground as well."
Meanwhile Dermot Weld said of Galileo's Choice: "We'll wait for the spring with him now.
"He'll get one run before possibly going to Cheltenham for the Supreme Novice.
"I'm delighted with the way he kept at it today and that was an outstanding novice hurdle."
Sean Graham go 10/1 Sous Les Cieux for both the Supreme Novice and the Neptune.
Boylesports go 14/1 Sous Les Cieux for both the Supreme Novice and the Neptune.
Boylesports go 16/1 Galileo's Choice for the Supreme Novices.
Stan James go 10/1 from 16s Sous Les Cieux for the Supreme Novice. The same firm go 10/1 from 20s Sous Les Cieux for the Neptune. (GC & EM)
