Snapped up by leading owner JP McManus after winning a French bumper, the three-year-old was visually impressive on his first two starts over hurdles for Gavin Cromwell at Punchestown and Down Royal.

The son of Voix Du Nord was the 8-13 favourite stepped up to Grade Three level and while Barry Geraghty was initially happy to sit at the rear of the five-strong field, he took much closer order racing down the back straight and was in front rounding the home turn.

Gordon Elliott's dual winner Mitchouka did his best to cover the move and appeared to be travelling equally as well approaching the second flight from the finish, but Espoir D'Allen jumped it much the better and careered away to score comfortably in the end by four and a half lengths.

Geraghty said: "We went steady early and he was jumping so well, I felt we were better letting him go and enjoy himself and make use of his jumping. He's a lovely sort, a gorgeous horse and does everything you want."

Cromwell said: "I was very impressed with that as he took it up early and went about his business and did it well.

"Leopardstown (Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle at Christmas) will be on the cards and he will certainly get an entry. I'll have to talk to JP and Frank (Berry, racing manager) and see what they want to do.

"He doesn't show very much at home but when he comes to the track he answers all the questions.

"I think he's versatile ground-wise, and horses by the sire Voix Du Nord seem to dig deep. He hasn't been asked yet, but I think he'll stay very well."