Conna Castle put himself in the Galway Plate picture with an effortless stroll at Killarney on Tuesday night.
Jimmy Mangan's charge, who has a feather weight in the big race at Ballybrit, cruised to a six-length success despite a last fence scare in the novice chase.
Davy Russell produced the 5/4f to lead three out and he went clear before the next. An untidy leap at the final fence gave punters a fright but he soon recovered to win eased down.
'That's more like it - he put in a beautiful round bar the last. Davy gave him a beautiful ride,' said Mangan.
When asked about the chances of the winner turning up at Ballybrit Mangan said: 'Sure he would have to go for it - it's a big pot. Galway is a track that will suit him and with that weight If you're not in you can't win. '
Russell won't be able to get down to 10st1lb for the ride but said: 'I would do 10-4 if I had to. Looking at the weights he's the one I want to be on and I was delighted with him.'
Mangan hinted that he may be prepared Russell put up overweight: 'I wouldn't be for changing so I nearly would let him ride.'
Harry Rogers wrapped up proceedings with a quick double in the last two races courtesy of Kilmannin and Mooretown Lady.
Kilmannin was produced with a perfectly timed late surge by Chris Hayes to get up in a thrilling finish to the Robin Peake Memorial Handicap.
Willie Supple oozed confidence on Mooretown Lady as she moved up to challenge down the straight in the concluding maiden.
The daughter of Montjeu kept on well in the final furlong when asked for an effort to post a two-length margin over long-time leader Killinan.
'She was overdue that,' said Rogers. 'She has loads of ability and hopefully she'll go for the Galway Tote Mile now with a bit of luck.'
Kerry handler Pat Lacey ended a long barren run when Mexican ran out a cosy winner of the John Buckley Auctioneers Handicap Chase.
Shane Hassett's mount travelled sweetly into the lead after the second last and kept on well on the run-in to record a four-and-a-half length verdict over Home Force.
'I had a few winners going back six or seven years ago. I don't know exactly how long it is - I don't like to think about it!' said Lacey, who trains at Asdee near Listowel.
Another possible for Galway is Rekaab after his success in the 1m6f conditions race. Kevin Manning sent his mount on under two furlongs out for a convincing four-and-a-half length success over Melody Star.
'He might go to Galway on the Friday for the 1m6f race there. I had him in a few races but wasn't happy with the ground - I wasn't expecting winter ground all summer,' said trainer Martin Brassil.
Ruby Walsh gained a deserved success on Green Mile in the opener having been unseated from Tony Martin's charge only four days previously at Downpatrick when a loose horse cannoned into the pair.
Copper Bell never saw another rival as he made all under Declan McDonogh to claim the Mike Cronin Race.
