Forget The Past could have the Hennessy Gold Cup next on the agenda after making a winning return to action over hurdles at Punchestown on Saturday.
Last year's Gold Cup third travelled sweetly throughout in the VCBet Hurdle before picking up the running after three out.
The 11/10jf tired under Andrew Lynch on the run-in but still had enough up his sleeve to hold the late renewed challenge of market rival Your Sir.
'Andrew said he blew up twice going around. We haven't done an awful lot with him fitness wise. Today was just to get him out and run him,' said O'Brien.
'We'll decide with Sean about whether to run the two in the Hennessy. We might try and soften up the grey horse! He done everything asked of him. It's been a long time since he ran. Everything seems fine with his back now.'
Eddie Power reduced his claim to 5lb in some style when landing the Grade 3 Panda Juvenile Hurdle aboard Convincing.
John Murphy's charge hit the front three from home but had to pull out all the stops to repel the late challenge of Majestic Concorde by the narrowest of margins.
'He was a little bit sick after Leopardstown. He didn't eat up and had a temperature that night,' revealed Murphy.
'I was shocked he ran so bad as I think an awful lot of him - always did. I don't know if he's a Cheltenham horse this year - he's a huge scopey chaser type.'
4/7f Jayo proved a major disappointment, jumping poorly and pulling up before the second last. He was reported lame post-race.
Knight Legend could be stepped up to Grade 1 company after getting off the mark over fences with ease in the Kilteel Beginners Chase.
Barry Geraghty eased clear from the fourth last, on the gelding, and he wasn't extended to beat Offshore Account by 19-lengths.
'He did it well and jumped super - I'm delighted with him,' said trainer Jessica Harrington. 'He'll probably go for the PJ Moriarty. Eventually he'll want three miles and will be a better horse on better ground.'
Heron's Flight atoned for an odds-on flop at Navan last time when running out a gutsy two-and-a-half length winner of the maiden hurdle.
'I was disappointed with him at Navan,' admitted trainer Noel Meade. 'He's a lovely big horse and will make a chaser. We'll find a winners race for him now.'
25/1 shot Jakeups Fold proved an ultra-game winner of the handicap chase, staying on well under Shane Jackson, after hitting the front five out, to hold Your Almost There by two-and-a-half lengths.
There was confusion after the race as the winner had gone the wrong side of a rail before four out. The stewards ruled that the rail was not part of the chase course, however, and was only used for starting.
Limestream put his head in front close home to edge the verdict in a tight finish to the handicap hurdle while Rock Street stayed on well to repel the strong finish of Mrs Hardy in the bumper.
