Babbling Stream could have confirmed his place in Willie Mullins' Cheltenham Festival team with a pleasing victory on his hurdling debut at Naas.
The five-year-old is under consideration for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle on March 15 after he pulled 12 lengths clear of The Granson in the Paddy Power Cheltenham Trial Sunday 21st February Maiden Hurdle.
Patrick Mullins, assistant trainer to his father, said of the 5-4 favourite: "That was much more like what we have been expecting. He jumped fantastic and h e showed a great turn of foot up the straight - he was very impressive. He's entered in the Supreme Novices' and is for sale. He's by Authorized, like Nichols Canyon, and should be a good dual-purpose horse."