Last season's Hennessy Gold Cup hero Kempes could only manage third on his return to action at Cork's rescheduled meeting on Wednesday.
Willie Mullins' classy chaser turned into the straight in front in the Follow Us On Facebook Hurdle, but the Dermot Weld-trained New Phase (7/2) was hot on his heels and took over at the head of affairs soon after.
Despite proving a little untidy at the last, he had plenty in reserve and careered two and a quarter lengths away to register back-to-back wins in the race, with Psycho passing Kempes on the run-in to claim second.
Mullins again had to settle for a minor role when the Graham Wylie-owned Felix Yonger couldn't catch Daring Article in the www.racinghomeforeaster.com Maiden Hurdle.
The winner was given a positive ride by Philip Enright and although Felix Yonger made his challenge when still on the bridle, he couldn't quite reel in the 13/8 market leader, going down by two and a quarter lengths.
Mullins enjoyed better luck when Sweet My Lord (3/1 favourite) led home a 1-2 for the stable in the www.corkracecourse.ie handicap Hurdle.
Paul Townend appeared confident on Pozyc when looming up two flights from the finish, but Ruby Walsh was in full flight on the winner, and kept him up to his work to score by a length and three-quarters.
The Gigginstown House Stud colours were carried into the winner's enclosure after 7/4 joint-favourite Ballysteen landed the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle by two and three-quarter lengths.
The fairer sex dominated the INH Stallion Owners EBF Beginners Chase, with Twelfth Of Never (11/2) pipping Special Token while 8/1 newcomer At Fishers Cross caught Kick For Touch in the shadows of the post in the Follow Us On Twitter (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.< Hans Crescent (4/1 joint-favourite) continued his progression by adding the Christmas Party Raceday December 11th Handicap Chase to his Thurles triumph from earlier this month.
