In Compliance was in impressive form as it strode to victory

The Michael O'Brien-trained horse finished ahead of War Of Attrition.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner put in a late charge but finished two and a half lengths behind the winner.

O'Brien said: "He has finally come of age. The ground wouldn't have suited War Of Attrition, but our fellow didn't mind it and he goes on any ground."

In Compliance, War Of Attrition and Sher Beau started to pull away from their rivals at the fourth-last fence.

War of Attrition was trying its best to keep up with In Compliance, who jumped the last two well and also found more once asked by Geraghty to stretch out pleasingly at the end of the two-and-a-half-mile test.

O'Brien added: "I wanted Barry to take his time, although he jumps so well you could ride him anywhere.

"I hoped he would step up to the mark and become a Gold Cup horse so we can concentrate on the Grand National with Forget The Past.

"We will wait a few days and decide if he goes for the King George, but I would say it is unlikely as the logistics don't appeal.

"He would have to travel over on 21 or 22 December and be there four days before the race. He has never travelled away before so it wouldn't be ideal.

"My inclination is that he will go for the Lexus Chase at Christmas and then maybe the Pillar at Cheltenham."