Coney Island is likely to be stepped up markedly in class after opening his account over hurdles at Leopardstown recently.
One of three winners from just three runners at the big Christmas meeting for trainer Eddie Harty, he showed the benefit of two previous runs by sprinting to a nine-length win in a maiden hurdle over two miles.
"I was delighted with him, he was very impressive," said the County Kildare handler.
"He'd learned a lot from his first couple of runs when he bumped into a couple of nice types.
"He took something from those runs and looked much more like it.
"The ground was very testing but I loved the way he quickened up after the last.
"We'll freshen him up and I'd imagine we'll step into Graded company now.
"There are three or four races for him, like the Michael Purcell at Thurles, the Deloitte (Leopardstown) and there's one at Naas, I think.
"We'll try to get him out at the end of January or early February and anything from two, to two and a half miles, will do.
"Whatever happens, chasing will be his game."