Racing: Iktitaf made a winning start back over hurdles in the Ryan's Cleaning Services Hurdle at Punchestown.
Noel Meade's VC Bet Champion Novice Hurdle winner was last seen winning the Irish Cesarewitch on the level and put up another professional display to win this Listed heat with plenty in hand.
Sent off the 2-9 favourite, Paul Carberry's mount travelled fluently from the outset as Davenport Democrat cut out most of the running.
Carberry tracked the pacemaker's every move before nudging him into the lead after the penultimate hurdle.
The outcome of the four-runner contest was never in doubt from then on as Iktitaf skipped clear of his rivals to win with eight lengths in hand from Davenport Democrat.
Meade said: "It is good to get an odds-on shot to win as I've had a few beaten recently.
"He has won well and will go for the Irish Anglo Bank race in Down Royal at the beginning of next month now.
"After that he could go for the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse - although he will have an entry in the new Boylesports International at Cheltenham as the race is now worth £200,000 - although I would be happier to go to Fairyhouse."
VC Bet remain unchanged at 10-1 about Meade's gelding winning the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle but Coral have cut Iktitaf into 10-1 from 14s.
Paul Nolan, meanwhile, has ruled exciting second-season chaser Accordion Etoile out until next year after the Grade One winner met with a setback in training.