Master Minded just held off Big Zeb in the featured Kerrygold Champion Chase to record a Grade 1 double on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival for champion jockey Ruby Walsh.
The 30/100 favourite, recording his fifth Grade 1 victory, made all the running but came under pressure when challenged by Big Zeb in the straight.
The pair were in the air together when Big Zeb blundered badly at the last. However Barry Geraghty's mount got going again on the run-in, and was eventually beaten by a diminishing head.
'Jumping is the name of the game, and we are learning about this horse all the time,' said Paul Nicholls, who is planning to have a pacemaker for his charge in future.
'There was no point holding him up in a slowly run race, and what he really needs is a fast pace where he gets a lead. He's getting a bit idle, and in future we will use Clive's (Smith) other horse Free World to make sure we get a true run race.'
Master Minded is evens favourite with William Hill to complete a hat-trick in the Queen Mother Champion Chase next March, while Big Zeb is an 8/1 chance.
Walsh was earlier on the mark aboard Hurricane Fly who climbed to the head of the 2010 Champion Hurdle market after easily landing the odds in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding, off the course with a splint problem since impressing at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, overcame trouble in running to beat stablemate Kempes by seven lengths.
Walsh had a few anxious momemts when boxed in approaching the last but the strong travelling son of Montjeu squeezed through a narrow gap before stretching clear on the run-in. A stewards enquiry was called but the placings remained unaltered. Riverside Theatre was a half length back in third, with Go Native another length and a half adrift in fourth.
'He did an extraordinary piece of work with Ruby last Tuesday, and it was even better than he did before Leopardstown at Christmas. I'm delighted that he's come and proved it today,' said Mullins.
'He had to show alot of pace in a slow run race, and we'll probably avoid running on the Flat or going to France and put him away for the season.'
William Hill and Sean Graham both make Hurricane Fly 5/1 for the Cheltenham showpiece next March, while Paddy Power were really impressed and go just 3/1.
Walsh was denied a Grade 1 hat-trick on the day in the Boylesports.com Champion Novice Chase when Cooldine finished a disappointing fourth - reportedly 'ran flat' - behind Rare Bob (10/1 to 7/1).
Paddy Flood 's mount struck the front two out, where Cooldine (8/11-5/6fav) made a mistake along with Joncol and the Bob Back gelding stayed on gamely under pressure to beat Gone To Lunch by a length and three quarters.
Joncol was just a head further back in third, while Cooldine weakened dramatically to finish another 18 lengths away in fourth.
'He's got a terrific cruising pace and is learning to quicken off it. He's a Grade 1 horse now who stays and has a bit of class,' said trainer Dessie Hughes.
'He'll probably start back here next season in the Durkan Chase, and hopefully is good enough to run in the good races,' he added.
