Watson Lake maintained his unbeaten record over fences, and in the process advertised his claims for the Arkle Trophy, with a wide-margin victory in very blustery conditions.
Early leader Scarthy Lad fell at the second and, after the odds-on favourite Ulaan Baatar dropped out very quickly in the straight, Paul Carberry's mount was left clear for a bloodless 20L success.
Bookmaker reaction was to cut the winner (from 14's) to a general price of 6/1 for the 'Arkle', while trainer Noel Meade smiled 'we can dream again!'
He added, 'He pulled a muscle after winning the Drinmore, and we had to build him back slowly. He's only had two bits of real work, and he got very tired when we took him to Leopardstown last time.'
'He jumped really well today and, if he can relax as well at Cheltenham as he did today, then he has a chance.'
Barry Geraghty said of Ulaan Baatar, 'He emptied like a light, and maybe it was a combination of the heavy ground and high winds.'
The eagerly awaited clash between Solerina and Emotional Moment in the McCabe Builders Ltd Boyne Hurdle failed to materialise after the mare took an uncharacteristic fall at the sixth.
Emotional Moment, who made virtually all, was left clear to enjoy an unchallenged win under Barry Geraghty being eased right down on the run-in to beat Yogi by nine lengths.
Solerina was thankfully none the worse of her tumble but rider Gary Hutchinson suffered minor concussion and was stood down for 48 hours.
'He was not exactly wound-up for today and should have a sporting chance of being in the first three in the World Hurdle,' said Tom Taaffe.
He added, 'He's never run a bad race at Cheltenham, and will love a bit of good ground there.' The 8yo gelding is unchanged at 14/1 for the World Hurdle with Boylesports and Grahams.
Point Barrow (2/1-5/4 favourite) was confidently ridden by Joey Elliott in the Ladbroke Ten Up Novice Chase, ridden out in the closing stages to deny Mullacash by 3/4L.
'He'll be entered for the four miler at Cheltenham (8/1 jt fav with Cashmans), and he's tough and stays well. I thought he wanted good ground last year but it looks like he wants plenty of cut,' said Pat Hughes.
Davy Russell was taken to hospital for x-rays on his left wrist and elbow after taking a nasty tumble from Coast To Coast, and has been stood down until at least Tuesday.
On a good day for favourite backers, Travino (4/5f) made it three wins out of three in the bumper when staying on strongly for Paul Cashman to beat Miss Toulon by 8L.
Market rivals Afistfullofdollars and Lost Time dominated the 2m2f maiden hurdle, with the former getting away quicker from the last to complete a double for Carberry and Meade.
Lotomore Lad landed a gamble (5/2-7/4) in the 2m4f handicap chase although favourite backers had a scare after four out when Shay Barry's mount was badly hampered by a loose horse.
The Donie Hassett-trained gelding went from first to virtually last in a few strides but was quickly back in front approaching the straight before being driven right out on the run-in to hold on by a neck from Rare Ouzel.
The start of this opening race was delayed by 13 minutes after a tree was blown down onto the ambulance track.
David Evans has enjoyed a welcome change of fortune in recent weeks, and he sent Malthouse Master to the front just before the last in the handicap hurdle to beat Ocras Mor by 3L.
Alan Magee
