The JP McManus-owned Synchronised (8/1) proved the decision to switch him from the Welsh National was the right one when slamming his Lexus Chase rivals at Leopardstown.
A marathon trip in testing conditions has always proved ideal for Jonjo O'Neill's charge but he still came in for market support for this three-mile test on drying ground.
He travelled strongly in behind Rubi Light when that one went for home approaching the turn and took up the running before the last.
After a sound jump, Tony McCoy then kept him up to his work to beat Rubi Light by eight and a half lengths, with Quito De La Roque only third.< Last Instalment (11/4) led home a 1-2 for the Gigginstown House Stud in the Grade 1 Topaz Fort Leney Novice Chase.
Always prominent in the hands of Brian O'Connell, he turned for home with Allee Garde for company, but seized the initiative approaching the last and produced a slick leap en route to a six-length defeat of the staying-on First Lieutenant who was the choice of Davy Russell and looked tap for toe when the pace quickened.< Voler La Vedette dispelled any stamina doubts when careering away from the Willie Mullins-trained Mourad in the woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle.
Confirming her Hatton's Grace superiority to register her first victory at three miles, the 13/8 chance oozed class in disposing of her rivals by upwards of four and three-quarter lengths, and seems better than ever.
Mullins and Gigginstown combined when 4/5 favourite Make Your Mark maintained his unbeaten record in the Madigans Maiden Hurdle, underlining his immense promise.
The champion trainer followed up in the Star Best For Racing Coverage Rated Hurdle with 9/4 favourite Quiscover Fontaine who added to Synchronised's win for McManus and McCoy, while Star Of Aragorn (12/1) held the renewed challenge of Cairdin in the Mongey Communications Novice Handicap Hurdle.
