Ned Kelly emerged as a live contender for Istabraq's crown with a highly impressive victory in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle in Leopardstown this afternoon.
Held up on the outside by Norman Williamson as firstly Kilcash Castle and then Liss A Paoraigh cut out the running with British challengers Geos, Milligan and The French Furze all racing in touch.
As the eight-strong field approached three out Ned Kelly loomed upsides Liss A Paoraigh and Geos travelling strongly.
As they turned for home Williamson let out an inch of rein and the six-year-old cruised clear to score by five lengths from Liss A Paoraigh with The French Furze keeping on gamely for third two lengths away.
Ned Kelly, who had been beaten on his two previous starts, is now set to take on Istabraq in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 12th.
Winning trainer Edward O'Grady said: "He's restored my confidence in him. He did everything I wanted him to.
"We'll go for the Champion Hurdle and I think he would prefer quicker ground - it gives him a chance to show his class."
Paddy Power are offering odds of 14-1 for Ned Kelly to take the Cheltenham race.
Milligan and Geos, who were both in with a shout at the penultimate flight, faded out of contention in the straight coming home fourth and sixth respectively.