Getabird maintained his unbeaten record with a dominant display in the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.
Willie Mullins had saddled six of the last nine winners of the Grade Two contest, with Mikael D'Haguenet (2009), Vautour (2014) and Douvan (2015) all victorious before going on to claim Cheltenham Festival glory later in the season.
The champion trainer saddled three runners in this year's renewal and having made a big impression on his hurdling debut at the track last month, dual bumper winner Getabird was the even-money favourite to add his name to the illustrious roll of honour.
Patrick Mullins kept things simple aboard the market leader, allowing him to stride on at the head of affairs from flag-fall.
Mengli Khan, already a Grade One winner this season in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse, was aiming to get his season back on track after running out at Leopardstown over the festive period.
Gordon Elliott's charge was sent in pursuit from the home turn, but it was in vein as Getabird galloped all the way to the line to seal a most impressive success.
The winner's stablemate Carter McKay was third.
The bookmakers were impressed and the sponsors cut him to 7/2 (non-runner/no bet) for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Patrick Mullins said: "That was great. He was quite worked up in the parade ring, which isn't like him, and he jumped off as if he was going to run (away with me).
"But after he jumped the first he kind of backed off a bit and I was actually going a bit slower than I wanted. I wanted to make it a good test as he's a point-to-point winner and Mengli Khan is a Flat horse.
"I was a bit worried when we turned out of the back that we hadn't gone fast enough, but the gears he's shown from the back of the second-last, he didn't have those when I rode him as a bumper horse.
"That performance was better than I was expecting, to be honest. He jumped fantastic - he was rapid - and I'd say he has lots of options now."
Sky Bet Racing PR Manager Michael Shinners said: "We've been waiting for something to put their stamp on the Sky Bet Supreme ante-post market and Getabird looked a serious contender. He was very, very impressive and looks an exciting prospect. Clearly connections know what it takes to win the race too."
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