NAAS 15:15 4a64o

Non Runners: THE LONG MILE. Fences: 16.

Time: 6m 45.8s Closing Sectional: (4.2f): 69.9s (101.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 129%, Betfair SP 100.2%

A picture like so many others on the staying handicap chase scene in Ireland, with Messrs McManus and O'Leary - largely with exposed and/or regressive types - responsible for almost two-thirds of the field, the latter powerhouse holding sway in this as one of his quintet finally wore down the front-running Cheb de Kerviniou after the last, that pair and the third taken wide.

CAP YORK (FR) opened his over fences at an opportune time, given the value of this prize, not in so deep as in the Paddy Power on his previous start in a handicap chase and just about doing enough in refitted headgear, the long-time leader a tough nut to crack; disputed lead until fourth, pressed leader after, ridden entering straight, kept on well run-in, edged ahead final 50 yds.

CHEB DE KERVINIOU (FR) found only one too good this time tried in a tongue strap, going like the best horse at the weights but not quite able to see it through, consistent yet winless since arriving from ; close up out wide, led from fourth, shaken up between last 2, collared well inside final 50 yds.

MON LINO (FR) ran one of this season's better races, a second placing in 2019/20 in a healthy-sized field of handicappers; held up, shaken up after twelfth, good progress entering straight, ridden after last, not quicken.

GENERAL PRINCIPLE (IRE) confirmed his return to form, this probably just about his level these days, though it's possible he needs marking up a little, given the trio ahead all took a wide path while he stayed nearer the inner; disputed lead early, remained prominent, every chance 2 out, no extra well inside final 1f, lost third late on.

SPACE CADET (IRE) took a small step back in the right direction; held up, kept mistakes to minimum, off pace still home turn, merely ed beaten horses.

CHOUNGAYA (FR) failed to get back on track after 7 weeks off, his chasing debut effort still a big standout; mid-division, mistake first, labouring 3 out.

MONBEG NOTORIOUS (IRE) fared little better after 11 weeks off; tracked pace, lost place when clouted eleventh, struggling from next.

CASTLE OLIVER (IRE) didn't get home over the longer trip as he had his winning run ended; mid-division, crept closer from 3 out, shaken up before next, found less than looked likely; has had a busy time of things but worth another chance back around 2½m.

SHADY OPERATOR (IRE) failed to meet expectations, earmarked for this race after Leopardstown but not seeing things out, lack of fitness/stamina dubious excuses; handy, driven before straight, dropped away 2 out.

RED JACK (IRE) immediately reverted to his error-prone ways from 6 lb out of the weights; raced off the pace, blundered eleventh, not recover (said after to have bled).

AH LITTLELUCK (IRE) added to a patchy record after 8 weeks off; raced off the pace, struggling before 4 out.

BONBON AU MIEL (FR) ended up shaping as if amiss after fully 24 months off; raced off the pace, crept closer 3 out, ridden home turn, no response, beaten when eased before 2 out.

DOUNIKOS (FR) ran poorly after another 5 months off; mid-division, went in snatches, labouring 3 out.

CHEF DES OBEAUX (FR) back in headgear after 7 weeks off, remains with one standout effort this season; tracked pace out wide, ridden from 3 out, dropped away quickly.