Nuvelli has come back to form in recent times after amassing a string of uninspiring form figures and the son of Luso made it two from three when shrugging off the burden of top-weight in the Oldcastle Handicap Hurdle.

Davy Russell held-up Shane Donohoe's runner but he made his ground to lead from three out and his rivals were soon chasing a lost cause. The Gigginstown House Stud-owned eight-year-old eventually crossed the line four lengths to the good from Red Basil

Nuvelli relishes testing conditions and the owner's representative, Eddie O'Leary saw the strong gallop, set by The Flying Dustman as being a help to his charge.