tracked leader 3f, dropped to last inside final 5f, rallied on outside into 3rd over 2f out, went 2nd entering final furlong, ridden and stayed on to lead towards finish
raced keenly in 3rd, closer in 2nd after 3f, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed and no extra towards finish
led, quickened 3f out, pushed along over 2f out, headed over 1f out, lost 2nd entering final furlong, weakened inside final furlong
held up in 4th, closer on inside into 3rd well over 4f out, pushed along and readily outpaced over 2f out, ridden and beaten inside final 2f
MENGLI KHAN has won around here on the Flat. He probably pulled too hard when beaten by Black Kalanisi in one of these at at Lingfield last month but was having only his second run for new connections and he should go one better today if he settles better. Earlofthecotswolds is a former bumper winner and On The Slopes has placed twice in this sphere and has recently undergone wind surgery. They may have too much pace for useful chaser San Benedeto.
Earlofthecotswolds (FR) 2-1fav (11-12) Midfield, last with a circuit to go, ridden after 14th, progress to 4th 4 out, kept going but well beaten, 4th of 9, dist behind Another Venture (11-9) at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Mengli Khan (IRE) 11-10fav (11-4) Led and set even pace, ridden over 1f out, headed and outpaced inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Black Kalanisi (11-4) at Lingfield 2m (4) pol in Jan.
On The Slopes 3-1fav (11-4) Jumped right at times, led, headed before 2 out, weakened flat, 5th of 9, 15 3/4l behind Magic Saint (12-0) at Cheltenham 2m hcp (2) gs in Nov.
San Benedeto (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Mid-division, pushed along briefly after 3rd, pecked 9th, weakened 4 out, 6th of 8, 27l behind Ibleo (11-9) at Sandown 2m hcp (2) sft in Jan.
Thomas Blossom (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) Close-up, dropped to midfield jumping 4th, towards rear 4 out, soon beaten, 10th of 11, dist behind Manor Park (11-1) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Nov.
