Moscow Flyer's no-show made the Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet Chase a drama without its leading man but it was Central House who managed to step into the spotlight for another Grade One success. A previous top-flight victory over the same course and distance in last year's Arkle came on the back of a fall from Kicking King that tended to deflect some of the glory.
Moscow Flyer's poor morning scope, which gave Jessica Harrington no choice but to keep him at home, caused disappointment at Leopardstown but if some were underwhelmed it was hardly Central House's fault.
He set off in front under an inspired Paul Carberry and repelled all boarders from the second last fence. Native Scout's challenge was the most persistent but Central House held him by two lengths and the odds-on favourite, Rathgar Beau, finished last of the four.
"It was a superb ride - as usual!" smiled Dessie Hughes who nominated the Cathcart Chase as Central House's Cheltenham target. "Kicking King has possibly improved more than us this season but my horse is coming right now."
Central House could even meet up with Moscow Flyer again on January 20th in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown and Harrington said yesterday: "It's such a small thing but I couldn't risk him."
Conor O'Dwyer produced a brilliant effort on Keepatem in the big handicap but there was nothing shabby about his ride on Royal Paradise who made all the running to win the Grade Two Future Champions Novice Hurdle.
The six length success from Leonardo De Vinci was a lot happier result for Tom Foley than the same day 11 years ago when Danoli was an odds-on failure. But that champion improved to win the 1994 SunAlliance Hurdle and Foley isn't ruling out a repeat. "They are two very different horses and very hard to compare but it's great to have another good one again," he said.
One bookmaker saw enough to go as low as 10 to 1 about Royal Paradise coming out on top in the SunAlliance. "We didn't want to make it today but fair dues to Conor who decided to head on with him," he said. "I'm looking forward to Cheltenham because we want pace. Conditions were against him today and he will definitely make a very nice horse."
Owner Pat Delaney bought Royal Paradise out of the Francois Doumen yard and is keen to run again before Cheltenham. But Foley said: "If I get my way he won't run again before Cheltenham."
Macs Flamingo provided Barry Geraghty with another success in the maiden hurdle and significantly the Pat Fahy-trained horse clocked a time seven seconds faster than Royal Paradise in beating market leaders Compliance and Tipperary All Star.
"Barry likes him, says he's a serious horse," said Fahy who warmed his horse for the race with a school over French-style hurdles in Doninga.
There was also a French link to the opening winner as Edward O'Grady paid out €50,000 for Sky's The Limit at the Arc Sale. It looked money well spent too as Davy Russell's mount proved five lengths too good for Maxxium.
But there was a more emotive link for owner Raymond Rooney who saw the colours worn by the ill-fated 1970s superstar Golden Cygnet carried to victory again.
"They are the actual colours. We couldn't find another set," said O'Grady while Rooney, a former senior steward, declared: "It's been a while since I was here!"
There were 20 to 1 quotes being bandied about for the Cheltenham bumper after Travino kept his unbeaten record in some style in the last. It was 25 lengths back to runner-up Mandm and Travino's trainer Mags Mullins said: "He is such a big horse I don't know if I would like to run him on good ground."
Oulart completed a good day for Dessie Hughes when he followed up a Clonmel maiden victory with success in the handicap hurdle, getting home by four lengths from Eagles High.
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