Limestone Lad remains the Royal and SunAlliance Chase favourite after doing no more than a 1 to 7 shot should do at Punchestown yesterday.
The star novice made it three from three over fences in the Irish Field Chase and is on course for a fourth start in the Drinmore Chase next.
But despite yesterday's substandard opposition there was an impressive efficiency about the way Limestone Lad did his job in appalling weather conditions.
The going was changed from "soft" to "heavy" after the third race and there had been a previous shock for odds on backers when the 1 to 3 Adamant Approach had been pulled-up on his hurdling debut!
In contrast Limestone Lad's connections had no concerns for most of his race although the horse did jump a little big over the first few fences.
However, once jockey Barry Cash asked him to increase the tempo over the last mile Limestone Lad was much more impressive and couldn't have won more easily. It was enough for Cashmans to give him a 5 to 1 favourite quote for the SunAlliance.
"He's a natural, learning all the time and his jumping is getting better," said Cash, who took over the reins from Shane McGovern when Limestone Lad switched to the larger obstacles last month.
"We were worried about the ground conditions but Barry said he was very good," said Limestone Lad's trainer Michael Bowe who confirmed the Fairyhouse route next for his stable star.
"I think the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse will be his next run." Adamant Approach, backed from 1 to 2 to 1 to 3 was pulled up before the last flight in the maiden hurdle which produced a shock one-two for the Co. Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead.
Norman Williamson rode de Bromhead's apparent first string Rainbow Dance but was outdone by the Larry Hurley ridden newcomer Whatareyouhaving who paid nearly 108 to 1 on the Tote.
"They are two nice horses and were working well enough at home but that's a total surprise," said de Bromhead.
Adamant Approach jumped poorly throughout and was beaten before the turn in. Jockey Barry Geraghty reported: "He walked into the second last and just couldn't handle the ground."
Kieran Kelly was the jockey in form, landing the handicap hurdle on Native Of Kerry and having a easy success on Delgany Royal in the handicap chase.
Willie Slattery won the two mile handicap hurdle back in 1989 on Crimson Kiss and that mare's daughter Crimson Flower managed to do the same for the jockey by holding off Prince Hawkeye by a length.
Carmelite eventually won the opener very easily for Barry Geraghty but only because the other joint favourite Trevino fell at the last when challenging. Charlie Swan remounted Trevino to finish fifth.
