This field contained three staying chasers rated 170 or higher, but it was one of the lower-rated (but progressive) ones that came out on top, Affordale Fury effectively making all around the outer in a race that produced a bunched finish with just over nine lengths covering the first six home.
had run just thrice in his first two seasons over fences, but is making up for lost time now, this his fourth start of the season, improving with each one. There is a temptation to put this win down to fitness and track position, but he looks like a horse that would be best suited to a lead as he quickly came back for more when Galopin Des Champs headed him after two out. Young horses that run well in this race and the Irish Gold Cup in February often do well in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, where the stiffer test would suit. He would also prefer slower ground.
has never run well at this track, so it was encouraging to see him post such a good effort on his second start of the season. All roads lead to Aintree, though he could pick up a good race beforehand.
has been the staying chase supremo over the past three seasons and put in an encouraging return after missing the John Durkan with a setback. He should step forward from this, the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival likely his next start, though could be vulnerable to younger legs at Cheltenham in March.
stepped up on his run in the John Durkan and his main aim is likely the Grand National where he finished third last season.
has tended to struggle in this grade and ran as well as could be expected. He is another that likely has the Grand National as a target.
was solid in the market and came forward from his John Durkan run though never looked like winning. Perhaps he needs another run given he missed most of last season but is rising 10 and may be on the downgrade.
was one of the best staying novice chasers of last season, but they look a weak crop, and he has yet to hit form this term.
is another of last season's novices and he shaped a bit better than the result, perhaps unsuited by racing down the inner for much of the race, his jockey easing off when his chance was gone in the straight. He is suited by testing ground which he hasn’t had in a while.
failed to come forward from his John Durkan run, neither jumping nor travelling with any fluency. He was still in touch leaving the back straight but was soon beaten and has a bit to prove now though a revival at Cheltenham would not surprise. His poor run was preceded by a market drift.
was having his first run in 421 days and was pulled up around halfway.
slipped up early in the race.
