< Captain Cee Bee enhanced his claims for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy with an easy victory at Naas.
The Eddie Harty-trained gelding, owned by J P McManus, consolidated his position as ante-post favourite for the two-mile novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival despite making a mistake at the final fence.
He had fallen in his previous race at Leopardstown in December, but there was no repetition as Mark Walsh sat tight to keep the partnership intact.
The 4-11 shot recovered and stormed away on the run-in to beat long-time leader Fosters Cross by 13 lengths in the BBA Ireland Opera Hat Novice Chase.
"He jumped well, he missed the last again but that doesn't worry me as he jumped well up until then," said Harty.
"He cruised into the lead. Fosters Cross took them along at a good clip but like at Leopardstown, he was gone by him in two strides. I was expecting him to come back again but our fellow is just very good, there is not much else you can say.
"I can't see Tony McCoy wanting to get off him, so he'll be in the plate at Cheltenham. If it was good ground at Cheltenham I'd be thrilled because I think he handles that (heavy) and he just gets away with it.
"I wish everyone could see him jumping fences on good ground, I think then you'll really see what he can do. I firmly believe good ground is his ideal."< Grey Soldier (4-7) made it third-time lucky, beating Monastrell by two and a half lengths in the Paddy Power Cheltenham Trial Sunday 21st February Maiden Hurdle.
Trainer Gordon Elliott said: "He did it well. He deserved to win on form.
"He is a good horse but he'll be better on better ground.
"He'll come back here next for a Grade Two novice hurdle and then we'll look at Fairyhouse and Punchestown for him.
"He definitely won't go to Cheltenham this year."
