Wild Passion earned a 10/1 quote from Cashmans for the 'Arkle' at Cheltenham next March following a successful chasing debut in a classy looking 2m beginners chase.
Paul Carberry's mount, a dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles last term, was never far off the pace and stayed on best in the straight to beat the promising trio of Publican, Kill Devil Hill and Golden Exchange.
'He schooled good at home but his jumping is still a bit flat. He's a big, tough horse considering he came from the Flat and should take to jumping fences better than most,' said Noel Meade.
He added, 'The plan is to go for the Drinmore and it's quite possible he won't run again before that. Hopefully he'll go for the Durkan New Homes Chase at Leopardstown after that and back there for the Arkle.'
Edward O'Grady and Barry Geraghty teamed up to record a near 16/1 double when successful in maiden hurdles with Letterman and Tengo Ambro.
Letterman was sent off the 11/10 favourite on his seasonal debut in division two of the 2m4f maiden hurdle, and was sent on after the last to beat long-time leader One Cool Cookie by 4 1/2L.
'He's a nice staying sort and hopefully a chaser in the future. You couldn't ask for any more on his first run of the season,' commented O'Grady.
Tengo Ambro followed up for the pair half-an-hour later in the 2m maiden hurdle but this time Geraghty needed to be at his strongest in forcing the gelding past County Final in the closing stages to score by 1L.
Maille Blu was well-supported from 6/1 down to 3/1 favourite but dropped out quickly after making the running until the second last flight.
'He may have one more hurdle run before going chasing and is a horse that might emulate his dam (Loving Around) and go for the four mile National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham,' said O'Grady.
Christy Roche was another trainer in double form, saddling Oscar's Advance to take division one of the 2m4f maiden hurdle and the handicap hurdle with Fortmassini.
Oscar's Advance made alot of the running under Tony McCoy and was left clear when King Johns Castle, about 1L adrift at the time, stumbled on landing after the last.
'It's great to win but I'm not sure he would have if the grey horse had stood up. J P (McManus) had loads of patience with this horse as he's always been very shouldery,' said Roche.
Fortmassini routed his 20 rivals in the 2m handicap under Alan Crowe, leading before the last and sprinting clear in the straight to beat Loyal (14/1-7/1) by 14L.
'The blinkers were a big help and he's in again this weekend at Down Royal and Cork. I'd better run him again quickly under a penalty!' quipped Roche.
Crowe was later taken to Naas Hospital for a preautionary x-ray on his right arm after a fall from Blackstick Magic in the handicap chase.
Mounthenry, successful over course and distance a fortnight ago, justified odds of 8/11 in the 2m novice hurdle although he was hard ridden by Andrew McNamara to head Masrahi before the last.
'The pace was a bit slow for him today. We'll find something for him in about three weeks, and he'll jump a fence next year,' said trainer Charles Byrnes.
Brave Eagle overcame a 598 days absence from the track to land the 2m5f handicap chase, confidently ridden by Philip Carberry to beat the gambled-on Prince Roscoe (7/4 fav) by 1L.
Pat Kelly's charge, rated 50lb lower over fences than hurdles, also attracted plenty of interest in the ring (9/2-100/30) having been kept out of action after suffering a bad tendon injury at home.
Virginia Preuil benefited from a strong ride by Mark O'Hare in the bumper, getting up inside the final 100 yards to beat Arctic Spectacle by 1L.
Alan Magee
