Flying Falcon stakes claim
John Joe O'Neill's blinkered six-year-old beat reigning title-holder Rooster Booster two and a half lengths and was quoted as short as 8-1 by Ladbrokes, William Hill and Victor Chandler to take the crown in March.
In a change of tactics, Intersky Falcon was held up by Liam Cooper as Brooklyn's Gold, in the same colours as Rooster Booster, cut out the pace.
The hare had not been reeled in going to the second-last as Sporazene and Rooster Booster were produced for their efforts, along with Intersky Falcon, who was travelling best of all.
Touching down in front over the final flight, Intersky Falcon quickened stylishly as Rooster Booster kept on to take the runner-up berth, a length and a quarter ahead of Sporazene.
Jacqui O'Neill, wife of the trainer, said: "He's been basically swimming since he ran disappointingly at Newcastle. There was nothing wrong with him, but he'd come back pretty flat, so we just kept him ticking away at home, swimming him twice a day."
Mrs O'Neill was unable to relay any plans for Intersky Falcon, although Philip Hobbs suggested the AIG Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown next month is a possibility for Rooster Booster, now a top-priced 5-1 with Ladbrokes for the Champion.
"I'm happy, to be honest. He's run very well and hopefully a stiffer track is what we need," said Hobbs. "I think he'll have at least one more run before Cheltenham. He's a very sound horse and there is no reason not to run.
"The AIG is a possibility at the end of January, but unfortunately there is not a race you can run him in where you are going to have a big field and a competitive race, like the Champion Hurdle, until the Champion itself."
Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup winner Strong Flow landed long odds-on back in novice company, but the manner of his victory did not impress most bookmakers.
Paul Nicholls' six-year-old had disposed of experienced handicappers in style at Newbury last month and was sent off at 4-11 to land the Network Design Feltham Novices' Chase against four rivals. But in the end it was the obstacles that proved to be Strong Flow's biggest threat.
The horse made two serious errors, at the second and ninth fences the latter, in front of the stands, drawing a huge gasp from the packed stands - which would have brought the downfall of many.
But Ruby Walsh remained limpet-like in the saddle as he tracked old rival Ballycassidy, and on the second circuit his mount seemed to grow in confidence.
The two protagonists drew away from Irish raider Rule Supreme turning for home, and a mighty leap his best of the race at the second-last drew Strong Flow upsides. Ballycassidy got too close to the final fence, which proved crucial, and Strong Flow skipped clear to win by eight lengths.
Nicholls, who said that the Aon Chase at Newbury in February would be Strong Flow's next outing, was not overly concerned. He said: "When you have a big, staying horse who wins a Hennessy and is a Gold Cup horse, then this is the wrong track for him. And that's why we went for this race and not the other race.
"This is an easy three round here and this is not necessarily his track. He's won, and that's all.
"He's essentially a stayer. Ruby said at the second he went a bit long, and the horse in front has jumped left and is taking his eye off it all the time. He's done well to get back from that.
"He wants a fast-run race, as he just tanks a bit and wants to get on with it."
Tony McCoy gave his followers a Christmas treat as 9-2 chance Contraband made all in the Pertemps Supporting SIA Novices' Hurdle.
He was seen at his finest and strongest as he kept the winner up to his work all the way up the home straight to hold Nawamees by eight lengths, with Pawn Broker a running-on third.
