Back In Front had to work hard to justify odds-on favouritism in the Mongey Communications Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown this afternoon to confirm his credentials for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle next March.
In trouble when third and making a mistake two out, Back In Front responded well for Barry Geraghty to regain the winning thread, much to the relief of trainer Edward O'Grady.
The front-running Solerina looked the likely winner when she accelerated again turning into the home straight, but the winner's stable companion Sacundai began to stay on and the favourite came back into contention.
Solerina began to falter in the closing stages and Sacundai briefly led before Back In Front powered to the front, eventually winning by a length and a half.
"It was a very satisfactory result," said O'Grady. "Barry says Back In Front still needs to sharpen up this season. I thought he was beaten at the second-last, but I love the way he battled and you couldn't ask for more than that.
"Back In Front has performed well each time he has gone to Cheltenham and you always need that there. Essentially he is a spring horse, and we will probably wait now for the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown for his next run."
Solerina is also bound for Fairyhouse, having delighted Michael Bowe on her first start since last February.
"I'm thrilled with her effort, because she hadn't got the speed of the others on that good ground," he said. "Stepping her up half a mile for the Hatton's Grace Hurdle is the obvious next step for her."
Ladbrokes trimmed both Back In Front (10-1 from 12-1) and Sacundai (14-1 from 16-1) for the Champion Hurdle.