Tactical Move and Paul Townend (right) beat Saint Felicien © Photo Healy Racing
A better jump at the last sealed things for Tactical Move as he opened his account over fences in the beginners chase at Gowran Park.
The Stowaway gelding completed a treble on the card for Willie Mullins, and a double for Paul Townend, when taking the two-and-a-half mile contest.
He duelled throughout with Saint Felicien at the heads of affairs and flew the final fence as his rival got underneath the last.
The 5/4 favourite galloped on strongly on the run-in to post a three-and-a-half length success. He was building on a promising comeback run behind stablemate Nick Rockett at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day.
Townend said:- "He had a nice run the first day behind Nick Rockett and backed it up today. We came down the straight fast today, he was accurate and good at what he did.
"The way we ride this track now probably helps him (with his left-jumping tendency) but I think racing competitively he will jump straight. It wouldn't be a huge worry going left-handed.
"He has tested the owners' patience but I think he has a decent level of ability. I liked him last year but didn't see him after it so hopefully can keep the wheels under him now.
"I think he has that Cheltenham-level of ability."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
