Willie Mullins is not ready to commit Bishopsfurze to the Cheltenham Festival despite a comfortable victory at Thurles on Thursday.
Seventh in the Champion Bumper and subsequently a winner over hurdles, Bishopsfurze had not jumped well before being hampered in a Grade Two at Naas earlier this month.
But it was smooth sailing for the 11-10 favourite in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle as he scored by eight lengths under Paul Townend, despite a couple of slow efforts at the final flights.
"I think going right handed suited a bit better today. The extra trip and slow pace helped as well," said Mullins.
"He might get an entry (for Cheltenham) but unless we see huge improvement he'll probably stay at home for the likes of Fairyhouse and Punchestown."
Davy Russell helped smart jumper For Bill (4-9 favourite) stroll home in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase.
"It was very tough out there today and Davy made her mind up for her," said trainer Mick Winters.
"We'll come back here in a fortnight's time for the Grade Three novice chase."
Russell and Big Secret had earlier looked to have the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase in the bag but got the last all wrong and the 9-4 favourite Just Friends managed to scrape home.
And it was a similar story in the thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle when the Mullins runner Lios A Choill crashed out at the last when clear, allowing The Pier (7-1) to forge past Shannon Spirit close home.
There was a terrific conclusion to the Tote Jackpot Rollover Chase with Paddy Neville's Curragh Grey (9-2) getting back up on the line past For A Finish and Indifference Curve
"She was flat out for the last mile and a half but just kept battling," said Neville.
"I have nothing in mind short-term but she could be a Irish National type."< Ballinahow Lady (13-2 joint-favourite) secured the Tote Trifecta Rollover Handicap Hurdle with Dazzling Susie causing a 25-1 surprise in the Horse and Jockey Mares Flat Race.
