Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War Of Attrition coasted to a comfortable success on his reappearance in the Star 'Best For Racing' Chase at Punchestown.
Conor O'Dwyer never had any cause for concern aboard the Mouse Morris-trained seven-year-old and connections will be hoping that all roads will once more lead to Prestbury Park.
Paul Carberry briefly looked threatening on Watson Lake turning into the straight, but O'Dwyer allowed his mount an inch of rain and coasted clear for an 11-length success.
Morris was suitably relieved after the race and revealed he will probably follow a similar route to Cheltenham that he enjoyed last year.
'That's a big relief. He was there to be knocked down, but has won well,' he said. This is a step towards March and it is a privilege to have a horse like this. They went a good gallop and he's having a good blow now.
They went such a good gallop that I thought he might blow up, but he is much more a man of a horse now and has got much stronger.
'He'll probably go to the north next for the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Chase (November 4 at Down Royal) or he could run in the John Durkan instead.
'I'd prefer to keep him at home until March if I can and we'll look at the Lexus Chase at Christmas instead of the King George unless something goes drastically wrong.
'He doesn't act on heavy ground, but soft is fine and I'll probably do the same as last year and give him a break between January and February.'
Elsewhere on the card, Frank McGuinness’ Blazing Sky overcame a 509 day absence when causing a 14/1 upset in the Listed Grabel Mares Hurdle, under Paddy Flood.
The daughter of Beneficial moved through to lead at the third last flight before staying on well for a comfortable nine length win over Brogella.
McGuinness later revealed: 'I was cursing myself coming here today because I thought I should have waited for a maiden hurdle – I though I was shooting too high!'
He added 'She damaged a bone at the back of her knee after her last race but did school beautifully at Tipperary recently. I have no plans from here.'
The opening Punchestown Event Centre Maiden Hurdle went to Robbie Burns’ Davorin, under Denis O’Regan.
The son of Warning tracked the leaders before moving through to lead at the final flight, staying on well for a length and a half win over Shuil Abbey.
Afterwards Burns reported: 'I was afraid of the ground coming here but his class saw him through. He enjoys jumping and I’ll take me time with him now.'
He added: 'I moved to a new base at Mullingar last March and so far we’ve had six winners and one baby there so things are going well!'
Martin Brassil’s Clearwaterdream landed the The Star Racegoers Club Handicap Hurdle under Ruby Walsh.
Brassil later mentioned 'Clearwaterdream is a very small but very game horse. He handles firm ground well and I had concerns about the ground here but he tries his heart out. '
Jockey Paul Carberry teamed up with trainer Noel Meade to win the Go Racing In Kildare Beginners Chase on Mattock Ranger.
Afterwards Meade reported: 'I was concerned that he wasn’t fit enough because he’s such a lazy horse and it’s hard to know with him. He may go for the Grade 1 novice chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.'
Francis Flood's Walk Over won the Ingoldsby (QR) Handicap Chase, under top amateur James O'Farrell.
