ASPIRE Tower moved towards the head of ante-post lists for the JCB Triumph Hurdle following a dominant front-running display at Leopardstown.

De Bromhead said: “I thought he did it really impressively. He went a really good gallop and jumped great.

A high-class performer on the flat for Richard Hannon and latterly Steve Gollings, the son of Born To Sea made a smart start to his jumping career with Henry de Bromhead at Punchestown last month.

Ridden from the front by Rachael Blackmore, the well-backed 15/8 favourite showed signs of his inexperience early on, but readily pulled clear from the home turn to land the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle by upwards of 18 lengths.

Paddy Power cut De Bromhead’s youngster to 7/1 from 20/1 for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, making him the joint-favourite with Gary Moore’s Goshen.

“The Grade 1 back here in February is an obvious race to go for, but we’ll talk to the owners and see what they want to do.”

Mt Leinster outclassed his rivals in the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle.

Smart in bumpers last season, the Willie Mullins-trained five-year-old was an 11/4 chance in the hands of Paul Townend, having filled the runner-up spot on his first start over hurdles at Gowran Park a month ago.

Entoucas led the field into the straight, but Townend cut a confident figure in behind on board Mt Leinster and the pair ultimately powered nine lengths clear for a facile victory.

Townend said: “I thought if he reproduced the run in Gowran it would make him competitive and any improvement would let him go and do what he’s done. I’d hope he can make the step up to graded company.”

Cedarwood Road was emphatic winner of the Bet With Tote Maiden Hurdle for trainer Gearoid O’Loughlin and jockey Davy Russell.

A never-nearer sixth on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse last month, the 7/1 shot displayed marked improvement to score by 11 lengths.

O’Loughlin said: “I’ve always liked him at home and he’s as good as I’ve ever had. He’ll probably only have one more run this season and could come back here for the Dublin Racing Festival.”

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