tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, driven out final furlong
in touch, reminders over 4f out, soon beaten
steadied at start, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
led, ridden and headed 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong
BENEDICT SPIRIT can bounce back to form with Profits Reality and Phoenix Flight likely to cause him most problems. Mark Tompkins' charge has won two races at Southwell of late and while one has to overlook a flop at Great Leighs, his fibresand form looks solid on balance. Profits Reality has dropped significantly in the weights. A smart handicapper on turf for Paul Blockley, there is a cogent argument to suggest he is well treated on artificial surfaces although its worth noting that he is 0 from 9 in non-turf events. Sir Mark Prescott has had a significant run of losers so Phoenix Flight is treat with caution. He won off a mark of 74 at Great Leighs but struggled to get close off 80. Whether a drop to 78 makes a difference is another matter. Bentley Brook is a course-and-distance winner although his recent form has been little to write home about. Benedict Spirit appears best.
Profit's Reality (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Held up in 6th, stayed on from over 1f out on inside to take 3rd final 100 yards, never able to challenge, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Cossack Prince (9-4) at Kempton 1m 4f clm (6) pol.
Bentley Brook (IRE) 16-1 (10-0) Led early, chased leaders in 3rd, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 7, 15l behind Benhego (8-12) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Phoenix Flight (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, some moderate late headway from 2f out, never dangerous, 9th of 14, 6l behind Confidentiality (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Benedict Spirit (IRE) 3-1fav (8-0) In touch, effort over 2f out, soon outpaced, 5th of 7, 9l behind Nobelix (9-7) at Great Leighs 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.