Venalmar pulled out all the stops to repel the late surge of Trafford Lad in a thrilling finish to the Woodlands Park 100 Slaney Novice Hurdle at Naas on Sunday.
Mouse Morris' charge kept on gamely to record a head verdict after the pair fought it out in the closing stages of the Grade 2 event.
The Kayf Tara gelding moved up to dispute before the turn and held the advantage when veering left at the last.
Trafford Lad, attempting to give away 7lb, threw down a strong challenge on the run-in and the pair came close in the closing stages prompting a stewards enquiry.
'He's a nice type and has the makings of a nice horse. He's a big baby yet and is a next year horse really but we might chance it (Cheltenham) this year,' said Morris.
Cashmans introduced Venalmar at 25/1 for the Ballymore Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham while Trafford Lad was shorted slightly from 25/1 to 20/1.
Thyne Again looked an exciting prospect when opening his account over fences in the novice chase.
Liam Burke's charge, brought down on his return to action at Punchestown, had no such worries in the small field this time and was given a patient ride by Davy Russell.
The flashy chestnut gelding moved up to challenge before the second last and was ridden on the run-in to get the better of Albanov by a length-and-three-quarters.
'That's a relief. We've been two years waiting on him. He was very unlucky the last day and returned with a kick on his leg,' said Burke.
'He missed a fair bit of work and Davy said he would improve a good bit. He has had leg trouble. He's A1 now but you never know with those things.
'He's a decent horse and we chose this because of the small field. He was a bit careful but might have got a scare the last day.
'He's in the Irish Arkle in two weeks time and that's an option. He wants a trip as that's a bit short for him. If he stays right I think he could be top class next year.'
Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins continued in flying form, recording a double and treble respectively.
Our Bob (100/30) got the pair off to a winning start in the opening maiden hurdle when leading before the last for a cosy four-and-a-half length success.
'He'll stay novice hurdling this season although on that performance he is crying out for fences. He'll enjoy the better ground in the spring,' said Mullins.
Temlett was also impressive in the second maiden hurdle later on the card, making all and sprinting clear two out for an 11-length success.
The Desert Prince gelding remains a possible for the Triumph Hurdle and Mullins said: 'The change of tactics seemed to make a big difference today.'
Mullins' son Patrick did the steering on newcomer Prince Geeno in the bumper. The Accordion gelding hit the lead two furlongs out and kept on well to hold the fast finishing Come To The Party by three-parts-of-a-length.
'He's one I've been looking forward too,' said Mullins. 'He's certainly good enough to go for the Cheltenham bumper but we'll see what the ground is like. He's a big strong chasing type.'
Royal Spring wore down Knockersally Flyer in the closing stages to claim the Handicap Chase while Mark Bolger partnered his first winner for Jessica Harrington when Vaqueras took the two-mile handicap hurdle.
