Nick Dundee made a triumphant return from a career threatening leg injury when readily justifying odds-on support in the four-runner Navan Racing To Please You Chase.
Philip Fenton let the eight-year-old gelding stride to the front before the fourth fence and, after gaining a breather at the end of the back straight, stayed on well to beat stablemate Nicholls Cross by seven lengths.
The son of Supreme Leader received a rousing reception from the stands passing the post, and bookmakers were quick to slash his odds for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup. Paddy Power and Cashmans both go 16/1 (from 25's), while Sean Graham were most impressed going just 10/1 for chasing's blue riband.
'He's on his way, and had a good blow there,' said trainer Edward O'Grady, who added: 'The steps get bigger from here, and we will have to consider the Ericsson Chase next.'
Over The Furze and Champagne Native, the two market leaders in the Navan EBF Novice Chase, provided a tremendous finish to the two and three quarter mile opener. Champagne Native appeared set to score when striking the front approaching the last but John Berry's charge rallied strongly close home to prevail by two lengths.
'He jumps and stays,' was Berry's brief but precise comment afterwards, before adding: 'He will run in the Neville Chase at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, and we will see how good he is then.'
Favourite backers were also on the mark in the Navan Racecourse & Golf Course Hurdle where Sallie's Girl made all under Barry Geraghty to earn a 20/1 quote from Cashmans for the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Noel Meade-trained mare responded in typically game fashion when challenged in the straight to beat Slaney Native by one and a half lengths. 'If she comes out of this race alright, then she may go for the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot next Saturday,' said Meade.
Meade and Geraghty recorded a double on the afternoon as Harbour Pilot took the featured Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle in great style. The five-year-old stretched clear approaching the last to beat Trevino by ten lengths, and has the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle as his long-term target.
Catch Ball appeared to benefit from a step up to three miles in the Bank Of Ireland Motor Loans Handicap Hurdle when completing a four-timer with considerable ease under Ruby Walsh.
Walsh looked set to complete a double later aboard River Cora in the Bar-One Racing Handicap Chase but was overhauled by Montana Glen, who finished with a tremendous rattle in the final 100 yards.
