They went without two runners and four fences (due to low sun) in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase and Blue Lord had no difficulty whatsoever in landing odds of 1/4.

Tracking the front-running Lifetime Ambition and only other rival Dancing On My Own going to the final fence to be jumped (normally the third-last), last season’s classy novice hurdler was always going to do those rivals for pace on the extended run-in once he negotiated that obstacle.

So it proved as he got over it safely and effortlessly went away up in the straight to beat Lifetime Ambition by 20 lengths.

The seven-year-old by Glenview Stud stallion Blue Bresil (sire of Royal Pagaille, Le Prezien and Mick Jazz) had made a winning start over fences at Fairyhouse last month.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said: “That looks a nice improvement on what he did the first day and I’d say he’s improving all the time.

“He galloped all the way to the line with Paul and looks an Arkle horse.”

His odds for the Arkle were cut to 7/1 from 8s by Paddy Power.

With regard to his dual Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo, who made his customary seasonal return at Tramore yesterday where he landed the Savills Chase for the fourth year in a row, the champion trainer added: “He’s very good this morning and I’m very pleased with him. Hopefully now the countdown begins.

“I don’t know if he’ll have another run before Cheltenham — we’ll see how he goes.”

Quotes from Alan Magee