< Tranquil Sea set himself up for the season ahead with a smooth reappearance win in the Clonmel Oil Chase.
Edward O'Grady's eight-year-old landed the Paddy Power Gold Cup last season but failed to really build on that smart performance, despite winning a Grade Two at Leopardstown later in the season.
Sent off the 10-11 favourite he had every right to win as he did, unextended by two lengths from Let Yourself Go and O'Grady has his eye on the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown next for the Dermot Cox-owned gelding.
"He established that he can at least go right-handed now," said O'Grady.
"That was one of today's objectives. The logical step now is to go for the John Durkan at Punchestown.
"It is the right trip for the horse (two and a half miles), and he will have a run under his belt.
"I hope that he's at least as good if not better than last season."
William Hill cut Tranquil Sea to 25-1 from 33s for the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.< Blazing Tempo made her first start for Willie Mullins a winning one in the EBF T.A. Morris Memorial Mares Chase.
Paul Townend got her in a nice rhythm towards the rear and although the favourite For Bill loomed large behind Cool Quest it was Blazing Tempo (7-2) who saw it out best.
Mullins said: "I'm a bit surprised she won as all of mine are running like they need the run.
"Paul said she was not happy on the ground and would prefer it a lot better. I have no real plan as we were not expecting to win but she will keep to mares company."
In-form trainer Gordon Elliott was on the mark with The Shepherd (4-1) who pounced late under Davy Condon in the Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle.
"He deserved that after being placed on his last few runs, and Davy gave him a great ride. He'll go to Fairyhouse for a three-mile handicap later this month," said Elliott.
