Zanahiyr and Jack Kennedy © Photo Healy Racing
The 8/13 favourite Zanahiyr got back to winning ways in the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle.
Last season's Triumph Hurdle fourth made the running until joined by the strong-travelling Cask Mate (5/4) after the third-last.
The latter blundered at the next, though, and could find no more from that point as Jack Kennedy's mount stayed on well to beat his market rival by eight lengths.
The winner was given a quote of 16/1 (from 25s) for the Champion Hurdle by Paddy Power.
It was a double for Gordon Elliott after Hollow Games in the opener and he said: "Jack (Kennedy) said he was trying to wind it up the whole way, he actually wasn't doing a stroke and had his ears pricked.
"From the second last to the line he galloped the whole way. We are very happy.
"He's entered in the Hatton's Grace (at Fairyhouse) but we'll have to have a look and see what we think.
"I could see him stepping up (in trip) at some stage in the season."
Paddy Power cut Zanahiyr from 25/1 to 16/1 for the Champion Hurdle and from 50/1 to 25/1 for the Stayers' Hurdle.
Quotes from Michael Graham
