The JP McManus-owned gelding was sent off the 9/4 market leader in last season's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and he looked to have every chance when running out approaching the final flight.

Emmet Mullins' six-year-old could only finish third when producing some novicey leaps on his chasing bow at Naas last month but seemingly learnt plenty from the experience. The son of Gamut produced a much more accomplished round of jumping and sent off a 2/1 chance, he quickened up nicely to score by three-quarters of a length from the front-running Three Card Brag.

Monty's Sta finished a further two and a half lengths back in third.

"I suppose the run under his belt was a big advantage there. It's tough going out there and that was probably the difference in it," said Mullins.

"Getting a win in these beginners chases in Ireland is very difficult and they are all top-class races. I won't necessarily be that confident the next day once they have a run under their belt.

"It's great to get today out of the way and we can go on to bigger races hopefully."

The victory saw Corbetts Cross's price cut in half for the Turners at Cheltenham by Paddy Power, with the Irish firm going 8/1 about his chances in March.