Rite Of Passage hardened in the betting for the Neptune Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham after a smooth victory in the opener at Punchestown today.

The Dermot Weld-trained gelding was trimmed from 4/1 to 3/1 favourite by Boylesports and to 7/2 by Sean Graham after an effortless victory.

Robbie McNamara tracked the leaders throughout on the six-year-old before moving into contention going to the last.

He edged ahead on the run-in and McNamara never moved as Healys Bar tried in vain to get to his rival, eventually going down by a length.

"It was a satistactory performance but that's as far as I would go," said Weld afterwards.

"He found the track a little bit tight. It's only his second run over hurdles and the reason for bringing him here was to experience the undulations. It took him time to get use to them - which he did.

"That would indicate to me that we'll let him take his chance in the Neptune, the 2m5f novice hurdle at Cheltenham. That's likely to be his next race.

"He wasn't spectacular or over impressive but he did it nicely. He's a big horse, 16-3, and the inside track was a bit tight. I think a more galloping track would suit.

"I have the highest regard for Dunguib. At present he'll go for the Neptune. If Dunguib went for the Champion it could change but at the moment that's the way I see it."