Go Native fought off a late challenge by Starluck in the Christmas Hurdle to keep his connections' dreams of a £1million bonus alive.
Meade hurdler strengthens Triple Crown claims
Go Native fought off a late challenge by Starluck in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton to keep his connections' dreams of a £1million bonus alive.
The Noel Meade trained six-year-old followed up on his Fighting Fifth victory at Newcastle by confirming his form in the second leg of the WBX.COM Triple Crown.
Jockey Davy Condon took up the running with a fantastic leap from his mount at the last to go three lengths clear before the horse began to pull himself up on the run-in.
Starluck and Timmy Murphy tried to mount one final surge but the Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner held them off to take victory by a short head, with Binocular in third.
Only the Champion Hurdle in March remains in the way of his connections celebrating a £1million haul.
Very happy
"If Noel Meade is watching I apologise! I was there a bit soon," said Condon.
"In fairness he stuck his neck out when the other horse came to him and I'd say he'll definitely take all the beating at Cheltenham."
Paul Carberry, representing Meade, added: "We were worried about the ground, but he travelled great and jumped super.
"He's got loads of gears and was probably just in front a bit too soon. We're very happy with him. He would definitely be suited by better ground and a better gallop.
"I'm not sure what Noel will do, if it dried up in Ireland I suppose he could run in the Irish Champion Hurdle but the main thing is to get him spot on for the big one.
"I think this chap would have a little more speed (than Harchibald) and he's not as moody, which is a good thing."
Pleased
Alan Fleming said of Starluck: "You'd have to be very pleased with that and he looks like he is improving all of the time, but the ground has just gone against him.
"We were thinking about going for a handicap like the Greatwood but this looked the obvious race to have a go at and he's proved he's not out of place in a Grade One.
"We'll run in all of the big races between now and the end of the year and it would be nice to pick one up as a second-season hurdler."
Nicky Henderson said of Binocular: "That was certainly much better than Newcastle and he is just taking time to find his form.
"He's like a flower who is trying to blossom which is just taking time to happen. We'll keep going down the same road and he'll definitely run again before Cheltenham."
