Jazz Messenger and Snow Tern added to Noel Meade's strong novice hurdle hand when the pair recorded an impressive double for the local trainer.
No Where To Hyde, runner-up in the Pierse Hurdle a fortnight ago, was sent off an uneasy 11/10 favourite for the 2m winners hurdle but was no match for Jazz Messenger from two out.
Niall Madden's mount quickened smartly between the final two flights and, despite a slight mistake at the last, drew clear to score by a convincing six lengths.
'Slippers said he just took off like an aeroplane and he's entered for the Supreme Novices Hurdle. I run Iktitaf in a Grade 2 at Punchestown next Sunday and we'll see what happens,' said Meade.
Cashmans quote him at 20/1 for the Festival opener but Meade warned, 'He could be more of a Liverpool horse as he's very quick'.
Snow Tern completed the stable double half-an-hour later, this time under Denis O'Regan in the 2m7f maiden hurdle.
'I have big plans for him but their all next year as I'm thinking of him as a future chaser,' said Meade after the six-year-old gelding asserted before the last to beat Imperial Sun by 5L.
'He's entered in the SunAlliance Hurdle and the three miles Brit Insurance at Cheltenham but I don't know whether we'll bring him over,' commented Meade.
Qudraat, a 7,000 guineas purchase at the Newmarket Sales last autumn, showed the benefit of a couple of jumping starts when taking the opening maiden hurdle in fine style.
Robert Power's mount was left with a clear advantage after All Diamonds fell at the penultimate flight, and stayed on strongly to beat Cuan Na Grai by 3 1/2L.
Chetwind Music proved a fortunate winner of the 2m1f beginners chase with odds-on favourite Lissbonney Project exiting when holding a narrow lead at the last.
The 4/5 market leader twisted in the air and lost his footing on landing after the last, ironically leaving the mistake-prone Chetwind Music to come home 9L clear under John Cullen.
Back In Business was eased right down by Michael Darcy in the closing stages to record a three lengths winning verdict in the opportunity handicap hurdle.
The Penitent Man (Kevin Coleman) overcame a ten months lay-off to get the better of a protracted battle with Captain Gucci in the 2m1f handicap chase.
The three miles beginners chase was a real test of stamina on the sticky ground, and Mr Babbage stayed on best on the run-in to beat Theatre Lane by 8L.
Alan Magee
