War Of Attrition ran out an easy winner at Naas this afternoon to advertise his claims for the Irish Independent Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival.
Returning to the track after an injury lay-off, the Mouse Morris-trained six-year-old was settled in third spot, jumping tidily, as Old Flame made the running in the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Novice Chase.
Conor O'Dwyer eased the 5-4 favourite closer on the turn into the home straight and popped him over the last two fences to saunter to a four-length victory from Healy's Pub.
War Of Attrition had been sidelined since November after sustaining a slight chip to his splintbone when winning at Thurles on his chasing debut.
He finished second to Brave Inca in the Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last year and was clipped to 7-1 from 12s by Paddy Power for the Arkle after today's race.