Last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup third Conflated looks set to defend his Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

The dual Grade 1 winner finished third behind Galopin Des Champs and Bravemansgame at the Cheltenham Festival back in March before disappointing when pulling-up in the Aintree Bowl a month later.

Gordon Elliott's nine-year-old once again disappointed when well-beaten at Punchestown on his seasonal reappearance last month but he bounced right back to form at Down Royal last week, finishing just over a length behind Gerri Colombe and Envoi Allen in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase.

"He ran an absolute cracker and he's entitled to go on to Leopardstown after that," said, O'Leary racing manager to Gigginstown House Stud.

"He's much better going left-handed, so if he's kicked out of the way at Leopardstown then we'll look at different options."