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Further Cheltenham clues were on show in the opener as Strangely Brown just held the challenge of Barati to take the Grade Two Cashmans Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.

In a thrilling finish to the two-mile contest, there were five in line coming to the last flight.

Barati, a useful performer on the level for John Oxx, then just got his head in front but David Casey had conjured a run up the inside on Strangely Brown.

The 7-2 chance responded to Casey's every call and although Barati made a battle of it, Strangely Brown just stayed on the better to win by two lengths and maintain his unbeaten record.

Noel Meade's Arch Rebel, the 9-10 favourite, finished third after clipping the last flight.

Strangely Brown is entered in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Festival and VC Bet go 12-1 about Eric McNamara's charge from 25s.

"He's tough. I have always hoped that he would good enough. He's climbed the ladder and he's answered every call so far," said the winning trainer.

"We don't know if he will go on good ground as he's not run on it before but he has won on good to firm ground on the Flat.

"He stays all day. I was just worried that a slow pace would play into Arch Rebel's hands today but they went fast enough."