Church Island staked his claim for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase with a convincing victory in the Grade Two ladbrokes.com Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan.

Coljan made the running but when he made one of his several mistakes at the fifth-last fence, Church Island jumped into the lead.

Jockey Andrew McNamara never had to get serious on Michael Hourigan's runner, who came home six-lengths clear of American Jennie.

"The horse was not right after Christmas but he's back in form now and the plan is to go for the SunAlliance Chase at Cheltenham," said Hourigan.

"Before that he had been unlucky a few times. He unseated his jockey in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse and also at Leopardstown early on over Christmas. Those two races were vital to him and messed him up as he went so early on in them.

Owner Joe Craig, who also has stablemate Beef Or Salmon running in his colours, added: "It's nice to think we might have a problem next year as both might have to clash in certain races."

VC Bet cut Church Island to 20-1 from 33s for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase.