Willie Mullins' Alexander Banquet put himself firmly back in the Cheltenham SunAlliance Novice Chase picture when romping home in the valuable Anglo Irish Bank Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase over two-and-a-half-miles.
After the 1998 Cheltenham bumper hero jumped well throughout in the hand of Jason Titley to come home fifteen lengths clear of Go Roger Go with Saxophone a short head adrift in third, Mullins said, ' We changed tactics very slightly today and they worked. I'm delighted and the plan now is to go for the SunAlliance Chase.'
Bookmakers Paddy Power left the seven-year-old unchanged at 16/1 while Sean Graham cut him to 8/1 from 14/1 for the two mile five furlong novice chase at the Festival next month.
His Song sent off the warm 7/4 market leader, needed a few reminders from Adrian Maguire on the run-in to hold off a gallant effort from the veteran Danoli and Shay Barry in the valuable Brophy Farrell Auctioneers Chase over two miles.
Maguire's mount looked all set for an easy victory after sweeping into the lead past last year's winner Papillon rounding the home-turn but he then had to work to capture the winners purse of #19,500.
'If he goes to Cheltenham it will be for the Cathcart. Adrian said he idled out in front but picked up for him when Danoli began to close on him after the last,' said Mouse Morris.
Minella Hotel, medium of strong support from 5/2 in places before racing, started a warm even money favourite on his handicap debut and duly obliged in the Naas Supportes Handicap Hurdle for eight-times champion Charlie Swan.
Swan could afford a long look over his shoulder on the run down to the last aboard John Nallen's eight-year-old before slamming Shiny Bay by ten lengths.
Nallen, who trains under permit outside Clonmel, said, 'He did it well, just as we thought he would, and we'll find another handicap somewhere.'
One hour later Charlie Swan went on to complete a double when teaming up with 4/1 shot No Discount in the Woodlands Park 100 Novice Hurdle over two-and-a-half miles.
However, he had to survive a stewards enquiry after he edged over on half-length runner-up, warm favourite Oa Baldixe when he was in the process of throwing down a renewed effort under Fran Berry.
Fran Berry deputised for Paul Carberry because the Meathman was stood down for seven days before racing by Turf Club medical officer Dr Walter Halley .
Carberry, who is still in Navan Hospital, suffered severe bruising to his lower back in a hunting accident on Friday and will need to undergo more x-rays, according to Dr Halley.
Punters suffered a blow in the opener when 50/1 shot Trimiki, a mere 500gns purchase at the Doncaster August Sale, just shaded out Creux Noir.
'That's my first winner of the year and also a first here at Naas,' said Trim handler, Gerry Keane.
