PUNCHESTOWN 16:30

All 5 ran. Fences: 18.

Time: 6m 4.8s Closing Sectional: (3.4f): 46.52s (115.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 98.8%

Little more than a schooling exercise for Timeform's highest-rated chaser Don Cossack, who predictably proved in a class of his own as he effortlessly repeated his 2014 success, in the process providing his yard with a fifth successive in this Grade 3 event; the early pace was only modest.

DON COSSACK (GER) made a highly satisfactory return from 6 months off and, although this latest win told us nothing new in terms of form, the manner he went about things merely cemented the view that he sets the standard in the staying chase division at present - stiffer tasks await, but he'll continue to take all the beating back in Grade 1 company, with the £1 million Betfair Chase-King George-Cheltenham Gold Cup bonus surely very tempting for his connections (particularly as they've got other live contenders for the top prizes on Irish soil this winter); waited with, jumped fluently, travelled strongly, produced to lead 2 out, asserted quickly with his jockey motionless, had stacks in hand.

ROI DU MEE (FR) was predictably no match for his same connections' Don Cossack but still ran creditably after 6 months off, finishing runner-up in this race for a second time (also won 2011 and 2012 renewals); made running, headed when mistake ninth, remained prominent, pressed on again between 4 out and 3 out, headed 2 out, brushed aside quickly.

CAILIN ANNAMH (IRE) faced a stiff task but was still below form and possibly failed to stay this longer trip; prominent, went on ninth, ridden when headed between 4 out and 3 out, folded from home turn, finished tired; may prove best at up to 2¾m for time being.

ARANHILL CHIEF (IRE) was out of his depth and essentially allowed to complete in his own time, so he's worth another chance to confirm his Navan form back in more suitable company; mid-division, lost touch gradually from early final circuit, not knocked about.

BRIGHT NEW DAWN (IRE) didn't last long on his first outing since leaving Ms Sandra Hughes, arguably proving too fresh after 6 months off (also first-time tongue strap); dropped out, took strong hold, fell second.