Next Destination and Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
Upped to Grade 1 level it was hardly surprising that he'd have to work harder, but Next Destination is now three from three over flights after his success in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle.
Bringing up a double for Willie Mullins after his win half-an-hour earlier with Demi Sang 8/15 favourite Next Destination jumped better but he was in front earlier on this occasion.
Paul Townend 's mount led from two out and Cracking Smart five and a half lengths behind the winner at Navan, got within a length this time.
Next Destination was always looking likely to hold on though.
Meanwhile his stable companion Duc Des Genievres gave huge encouragement for the future, three lengths back in third on his Irish debut.
Paddy Power are 4/1 favourite unchanged about Next Destination for the Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle, whilst for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle they are 7/1 from 8/1.
"He's improving all the time. It was a very slow run race and tactically it was a lot different than we thought it would be," said Mullins.
"His jumping was just so good that it was putting him into the race when Paul didn't want him in the race and that got him racing too early.
"His jumping held up under pressure over the last two and he was in front far enough to withstand the late challenge of the second horse. We were very pleased with him.
"It's very testing out there and you'd expect to finish tired in a race like that. It's a Grade One and when they starting racing from the third last it's very testing.
"I'd imagine we'll find a race at the Dublin festival, if it's not too soon, and we'll see how he comes out of that.
"He looks like a Ballymore or an Albert Bartlett horse. I think he can settle well enough. Today he didn't because it was such a slow pace but I think in a Cheltenham-style race he'll settle and he could run in either of those two races.
"The Ballymore would be the one you would think of immediately. But let's see what happens and see with other horses. Hopefully the others won't fluff their lines and we've a couple more to produce.
"I was particularly pleased with his jumping. He looks a real chaser but he's well able to hurdle this year anyway.
"The third horse ran a cracker for only his second run of his life. It was a tall order to ask but all those novice hurdles in Ireland are gone now.
"We had to run in this. I didn't want to go for the two-mile race next week as I thought they might be going too quick. At least over two-and-a-half he gets a chance to learn his trade.
"He looks a real nice type. He'll certainly get a Cheltenham entry."
(GC & EM)
