Friend's Amigo, one of the most impressive bumper winners last season, powered home on his hurdling debut under Ruby Walsh much to the joy of the six-strong Absent Friends Syndicate.
Winner of a hot Naas contest over 12 months ago, the Pat Doyle-trained Accordion gelding jumped well before sprinting clear on the run down to the final flight en route to an 8L victory over Kadiskar.
'He was a very weak horse last year and that's why we decided to give him time,' said Doyle, 'we could have gone to Cheltenham for the bumper in March but I'm glad we didn't as we mightn't have any horse left now.'
Curragh trainer Dessie Hughes is also hopeful for Hardy Eustace after the 3/1 shot also scored by 8L in the earlier division of the 2m maiden hurdle at the expense of Beechcourt (4/5f), who threw in the towel easily after holding the call turning for home.
'He's a nice horse and could be better going further. He's very laid back and jumped well and we might find a winners race for him before Christmas', said Hughes.
Hardy Eustace was introduced at 20/1 along with Friend's Amigo with Cork firm Cashmans for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham next March.
Barrow Drive kept his unbeaten record intact with the minimum of fuss in the featured Irish Field Novice Chase when making every yard a winning one under Barry Geraghty.
Tony Mullins nominated the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse on December 1st next for the 6yo, who has won now won five on the trot.
'He couldn't do any more than he did. Barry (Geraghty) said he might just prefer a lead. If the bubble doesn't burst he run at Leopardstown over 2m6f at Christmas and will be trained with the Sun Alliance in mind.'
The race lost one of the market principals when Thari fell early while Conor O'Dwyer, who also suffered a sixth fence fall from Cyborsun, was stood down for 48 hours.
Satco Express, a pillar to post winner at Gowran last month, enjoyed similar tactics in the hands of Charlie Swan to record a bloodless 15L victory over Moss Bawn.
Winning trainer Eamonn Sheehy said, ' he disappointed us at Thurles last time (5th) but he was lame the following day with a sore shin. He was hampered at the second last and that's where he must have taken the knock.'
The Galway Man (6/4-2/1f) failed to complete the course when he ran out for Norman Williamson soon after turning out into the back straight on the final circuit.
It later transpired that the five-year-old had very badly torn muscles and a suspected pelvis injury after he left the track to be examined at Ned Going's veterinary practice.
Paul Nolan's Cloone River may reappear at Down Royal next weekend after scoring easily for Tommy Treacy in the 2m handicap hurdle while Ken Whealan conjured up a winning effort aboard Curhubber Girl to win the next.
Willie Codd recorded his second training success when partnering his 8yo Tenshookmen to land the 2m2f handicap chase before Central House just prevailed in the finale under Roger Loughran to provide Dessie Hughes with a double.
