Kilcruit in full flight under Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
Kilcruit made the perfect start to life over fences, as he ran out an easy winner of the Lily & Wild Beginners Chase.
With the defection of Journey With Me on account of the ground, the Willie Mullins-trained victor was sent off the clear market leader at 1-5.
Settled in second behind the front-running Willywampus he improved to dispute the lead with that rival from seven out.
Sent to the front by Paul Townend after the third last, he eased clear on the run-in and came home nine-and-a-half lengths to the good, with the gallant Willywampus (50/1) and Jordan Canavan in second.
The other two in the line-up, Broomfields Jeremy and Aldo The Apache never got involved, with the former 22-lengths away in third.
"He showed a lovely attitude towards fences," Townend said.
"When I caught up with the horse in front and we faced down the back he latched on and took on his fences really well.
"He had a blow and will come on from it.
"It was nice to have another horse there as we were able to get a lead, be upsides and jump in front. He learned a lot more today and I just love the way he was looking for the next fence and wanted to take it on.
"I think sitting on him it felt like he's filled out as well and hopefully this will be his year. He did everything I wanted him to.
"It's safe ground for a horse that wants a bit of nice winter ground."
Mullins added: "I'm delighted and he did what he had to do. He jumped very well and we probably didn't learn a lot except that it looks like he's taken to fences really well. I think he’s a stronger horse than last year.
"It was like a good schooling session with a lead horse. I think he's going to enjoy jumping fences better than hurdles."
Paddy Power now go 16/1 about Kilcruit (from 25s) for the Turners Novices' Chase at Cheltenham and 20/1 (from 25s) for the Arkle.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
