It was only on the gruelling uphill run-in that Medermit began to lose his momentum as Captain Chris closed to half a length but connections will not yet commit themselves to a Cheltenham Festival target.
Trainer Alan King said: "Choc (Thornton) said he got there too soon and he just idled. "You've got to be able to get the trip for the Arkle and this was the ideal preparation, but I'm not committing him to anything at the moment. "I don't want to say something and change my mind but I'm very happy, I haven't won a Grade One for about two years, after all."