I'M SUPPOSIN, who reputedly was bought for £200,000 last week by London businessman Nicholas Cooper, remained on target for the Champion Hurdle after winning the Irish Racing Writers Novice Hurdle in pleasing style at Naas on Saturday.

Always travelling well, the five-year-old cruised to the front approaching the final flight and went on to win by seven lengths. However, the race was hardly run at a blistering pace and the jury must still be out on whether he is another Alderbrook in the making.

A pleased Kevin Prendergast said: "He will be entered for the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran and although I will put him in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the Champ Hurdle is next. He is built like a National Hunt horse, jumps well and will be far better horse on real good ground."

Michael Hourigan's Ultra Flutter is also Cheltenham bound following his effortless success in the Naas Novice Chase, his third victory over fences. The 10-year-old is an intended runner in the Sun Alliance Chase.

Partnered by Shane Broderick, who initiated a double earlier in the day on Irish Light, the 6 to 4 favourite jumped impeccably.

Mullingar-based owner John McKay, who only acquired a permit to train last week, recorded his first success in his new role when Strategic Ploy, formerly trained by Michael O'Brien, landed the opening 25-runner Sallins Maiden Hurdle by 12 lengths.

Liam Browne's newcomer, Sarsfield The Man, supported from 6 to 1 in the morning, became the sixth successive winning favourite when taking the bumper in smooth style.