The popular Oliver Brady looks to have a major Cheltenham player on his hands after Ebadiyan coasted to victory in the Punchestown Juvenile Hurdle.

Saved over from Saturday after the meeting fell victim to the cold weather, Brady, as usual, could not hide his delight in the winner's enclosure afterwards.

A winner at Naas only eight days ago, the former John Oxx-trained grey made mincemeat of his rivals in the Grade Three event and Cheltenham is now firmly on the agenda for the 15-8 winner.

The colourful Brady said: "This horse goes to Cheltenham and I think I've finally got my dream to have one as good as him for the Festival. It's taken a long time but I've made it.

"It was a good performance today - he annihilated them.

"I hope to give him one more run before the Triumph Hurdle. If they get good ground at Cheltenham, it will take a hell of a horse to beat him."

William Hill were most impressed and go only 8-1 from 20s for the Triumph Hurdle.

The rest of the card was dominated by a trio of short-priced favourites with Perce Rock (2-5), Zaarito (1-3) and Rare Bob (evens) all obliging.

Perce Rock continues to have his confidence rebuilt after some bad falls over fences and had little trouble beating Freds Benefit in the Go Racing In Kildare Hurdle.

Zaarito, third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last March opened his account over timber at the second time of asking in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle under Matt O'Connor.

"There was no gallop so Matt did the right thing by going on, he jumped better in front," said trainer Colm Murphy.

"He'll get an entry in the Deloitte on Hennessy day and the step up in grade should help him settle more."

Rare Bob, wining his first ever race at the 14th time of asking, formed part of a treble for Dessie Hughes as Vinatieri also won the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle and Errit Lake (5-2 favourite) won the bumper.

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