Youlneverwalkalone confirmed his tall home reputaion with a convincing victory under Conor O'Dwyer in the Ballymore Properties Hatton's Grace Hurdle.
The Montelimar gelding, who carries the Istabraq colours of J P McManus, cruised past main market rival Moscow Flyer approaching the last to score by 3 1/2L.
'Hopefully Istabraq will get to Cheltenham for the Champion Hurdle but if anything should happen to him then this horse is a nice back-up for J P,' said trainer Christy Roche.
Roche added: 'This is the first day since I took out a licence that I have felt under pressure as Youlneverwalkalone has only had a saddle on his back twice since running at Cork in October.'
'He suffered some wear and tear in a joint, and it was 50-50 whether he would run or not,' said Roche, who is considering a tilt at Cheltenham's Bula Hurdle next Saturday.
Sean Graham have cut Youlneverwalkalone's Champion Hurdle odds from 20/1 to 14/1.
Limestone Lad enjoyed his finest hour when upsetting Istabraq in the 'Hatton's Grace' last year but James Bowe's popular gelding lost his unbeaten record over fences in the Pierse Drinmore Novice Chase.
The 8yo forced the pace until two out where Well Ridden lost his chance with a bad blunder, and Sackville seized the initiative to beat Arctic Copper by 4 1/2L.
'He is heading to Cheltenham ultimately for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase. I was a bit surprised he could do that over this trip (2m4f) as 3m is his ideal distance,' said trainer Frances Crowley.
Liss A Paoraigh landed the other Grade 1 race on the day, the Boyle Bookmakers Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, holding on by 1/2L from Penny Rich.
John Kiely's mare is the 5/1 favourite with Sean Graham for the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Christy Roche recorded a double on the afternoon when For Paddy's Day (6/1-11/1) finished strongly to make a winning debut in the bumper.
Philip Rothwell saddled the heavily backed newcomer Sea Force, weakened inside the final furlong to finish fourth, but earlier took the handicap hurdle with Geodalus.
Arthur Moore saddled a 1-2 in the handicap chase but it was the Barry Cash-ridden Tacolino who made all to hold off Clan Royal (5/2-6/4f) by 1L.
Bust Out, runner-up to Ned Kelly at Naas, justified odds-on support in style in the opening maiden hurdle, and may take on that rival again at Leopardstown after Christmas.
Paul Moloney was given a three day suspension for an injudicious ride aboard Get It On, who finished a never dangerous fifth in this race.
