Un De Sceaux put an unfortunate exit on his chasing debut at Thurles last month well behind him when readily landing prohibitive odds in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.
The six-year-old gelding adopted his customary front-running tactics under Ruby Walsh and cruised home for a facile victory which prompted Paddy Power to make him 3/1 favourite (from 4/1) for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham in March.
The French-bred went off the 1/5 favourite and put in a super round of jumping in this two-mile event on the inside track. Smashing was the only rival in the same parish as the hot-favourite from three out, and a five lengths advantage at the last was greatly increased with the minimum of fuss at the line.
Walsh hardly moved a muscle as Un De Sceaux stretched the advantage over Smashing to 12 lengths by the finish, with Legal Exit leading the remainder home a further 30 lengths adrift.
Mullins said, "He had a scare at the first but he improved his jumping after and was a lot more sure at them.
"That probably frightened him and steadied him up. He took more notice of his fences after.
"I don't know where he'll go now, it's a bit close to Christmas. I think there is a winners' race at Naas on January 4th but that might be a bit soon also.
"I might wait to the middle of January. He's so hard on himself in races so I won't rush him back to the track. He's a grand horse in the stables but in his races he's very, very keen."
(GC & AM)
