Sam Thomas’ eight-year-old was the 10-11 favourite in a small field of three, with Ben Pauling’s Mambonumberfive considered his key rival at 11-8.

It was the outsider, Dan Skelton’s Mirabad, who made the running at a good pace and that took its toll as Mambonumberfive lost ground over his fences.

Steel Ally fared best of all, taking over at the head of affairs turning into the straight to canter home 10 lengths ahead under Dylan Johnston.

Coral cut the winner to 10-1 from 20s for the Arkle at Cheltenham.

“He was very good. I’m really pleased to keep him unbeaten over fences and though there were only three runners, I thought it was a pretty true-run race,” said Thomas.

“I was thrilled to see him put a bit of distance between him and the horses behind him.

“He had a couple of blips over hurdles but on the whole he’s been very progressive for us and he’s certainly showed that he likes jumping fences.”

Of future plans for the horse, Thomas added: “The Arkle is most certainly an option, he has the entry and it’s to be discussed with the boss, Mr (Dai) Walters (owner).

“We’ve got a few weeks to make a decision and I couldn’t say either way today, but he’s a lovely horse and a lovely horse for the future.”