Florida Pearl (4/5-8/11f) underlined his Cheltenham credentials with a power-packed victory under Paul Carberry in the Leopardstown Gold Cup.
Now as low as 5/1 for next months Blue Riband, Willie Mullins stable-star jumped well throughout before asserting authority before the 5th last.
He drew gradually clear of 1998 winner Dorans Pride after the 2nd last before coming home eased down by to a rapturous reception from the huge crowd.
Danoli, winner of this valuable contest in 1997, unshipped Tommy Treacy at the 3rd last while Rince Ri had no more to offer before 2 out eventually finishing a distance back in 3rd.
'I said to Paul (Carberry) going out that I'd leave it up to him how to ride the horse and I'm very happy with that performance,' said Mullins.
'I've never had any doubt about the trip and it's the Cheltenham Gold Cup next,' he concluded.
Mullins finished the day by saddling Adamant Approach (11/8-6/4jf) to make a winning bow under James Nash in the finale.
'Along with Ballyamber and Tuesday he'll go for the Cheltenham bumper,' Mullins said.
Youlneverwalkalone (4/6-8/13f) kept his unbeaten record intact when storming home under Conor O'Dwyer in the 2m2f novice hurdle.
O'Dwyer, fresh from his Naas treble on Saturday, hardly moved a muscle as he coaxed J.P. McManus' gelding past Sackville over the last to score by 5L.
Christy Roche said, ' He was always good, has plenty of pace and stays well. I still haven't made up my mind which race he'll go for at Cheltenham.'
Bookmakers make him generally a 3/1 shot for the Supreme Novice Hurdle 2m.
Native Upmanship (9/4jf) got the better of Commanche Court in a thrilling finish to the P.J. Moriarty Novice Chase.
Arthur Moore's gelding, winner of the Dennys over Christmas, had 1/2L to spare at the line with To Your Honour staying on well from the last for 3rd.
'He's a very game horse but it's a pity the pace was so slow with Cheltenham in mind. He'll go for the Sun Alliance Chase there,' said Moore.
The race lost sole English raider Castle Sweep (9/4jf) at the 2nd fence when he unseated rider Richard Johnson.
David Casey, who partnered To Your Honour to finish a fast-finishing 3rd, was banned for two days for using his whip excessively.
Racing opened with 16/1 chance Sungazer springing a surprise when upsetting Topacio (7/4-6/4) with Young American (4/5-1/1f) back in 4th.
'I think an awful lot of him and he's entered in the Triumph,' said winning handler Noel Meade.
Former champion Charlie Swan was seen at his brilliant best when conjuring up a renewed effort on Phariwarmer (9/4f) to touch off 16/1 shot Taoibhin in the 2m handicap hurdle.
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