Dual Smurfit Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq proved he still has no peers over two miles as he landed the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown today.
Aidan O'Brien's charge, winning the Grade One contest for the third successive year, showed he is ready to repel all challengers to his crown at Prestbury Park in March, for which he is 1-3 favourite with Ladbrokes.
Travelling sweetly as the pace was cut out by Limestone Lad, the gelding was pushed to the front by Charlie Swan approaching the final flight and from then on the result was not in doubt.
Although Stage Affair stayed on well in second under Tony McCoy, Istabraq's lead was never really under threat and he came home with four lengths to spare.
Limestone Lad ran on but was just touched off for third place by Knife Edge.
"I didn't really want to go on as quick as I did but Tony was travelling well and made my mind up for me," said Swan as he dismounted from the 2-9 favourite.
O'Brien was delighted with the performance of his charge and confirmed Istabraq's next race would be the defence of his Champion Hurdle crown, victory in which would make him the first horse to pass the £1 million-barrier in National Hunt winnings.
"He was very impressive, I'd say his progress was the same as this time last year and he'll go straight to Cheltenham," said the Ballydoyle trainer.
"He's been very good since his last run and there's still plenty of improvement there."
Triple handed in today's event, O'Brien also reported that Theatreworld who finished last was not suited by the yielding going while Yeoman's Point (fifth) had earned a trip to Cheltenham.
"Theatreworld hated the ground today but we were delighted with Yeoman's Point. Conor (O'Dwyer, Yeoman's Point's jockey) said he tired as he turned in. He will go for either one of the two novice hurdles or the Triumph Hurdle."
Winning owner JP McManus was very satisfied with Istabraq's display.
"I'm delighted with that performance today," he smiled. "It's a joy to own a horse like him when you have a few slow ones at home you appreciate having a star.
"Our whole life revolves around him now."
Stage Affair's trainer Dermot Weld refused to rule out a tilt at the Champion Hurdle for his charge.
"He could go for it but we'll wait and see but he will have a racecourse school prior to Cheltenham."
Bookmakers were quick to lengthen the odds of Florida Pearl for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup following the eight-year-old's less-than-impressive performance in the BAX Global Handicap Chase.
Local firm Paddy Power were the least taken with the victory lengthening the gelding to 10-1 from 7-1 while Ladbrokes took a more cautious view, going 8-1 from 7-1.
At one stage it looked as though Florida Pearl may be headed but Paul Carberry and the 2-5 favourite held on by a short head from Amberleigh House under Carberry's brother Philip.
"He battled back well, I thought," said a relieved Mullins.
"Paul said he made a mistake at the third last but gave him a couple of kicks in the ribs, and he took the last two better.
"He'll be back here for the Hennessy in a couple of weeks and then the aim is Cheltenham.
There was an impressive performance from Frozen Groom who gave an outstanding display of jumping to land the Baileys Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup. Noel Meade's charge was given the office by Paul Carberry as they came round the final bend and came home three lengths clear of Rathbawn Prince.
This performance earned a 14-1 quote from Paddy Power for the Irish Independent Arkle at Cheltenham but Meade is concerned about his charge's stamina.
"He hardly got two miles as a hurdler and I'd be worried about the Cheltenham hill," the trainer warned.
