Rowland Meyrick report: Canelo conquers Snow Leopardess

The Dutchman took the field along at a steady pace for much of the historic three mile handicap and all the field were in contention turning for home but the complexion of the race soon changed.

The Dutchman made his first mistake of the contest when falling four from home, a fence that also accounted for Beau Bai.

Snow Leopardess and Canelo soon had the race between them approaching the second last with Windsor Avenue the only possible danger to the pair.

There was little between the front pair over the final two obstacles but Canelo proved the stronger on the run-in, staying on strongly under Tom Bellamy to score by three parts of a length.

The winner, trained by Alan King, was scoring for the third time over fences and was continuing this season's progression since being fitted with cheekpieces. The seven-year-old had won at Newbury on his second start of the campaign before beating all bar the impressive Cap Du Nord at Newbury.

Bellamy told Racing TV: "Delighted with him obviously. He's really stepped up this season, career high mark today 142, and I'd say most of his success has been down to the cheekpieces. Since they've gone on he's really held his form.

"He's always had plenty of ability but getting consistency has been the thing that's stopped him in the past.

"I'd like to think he can go a little bit further as well. He has improved so much and his jumping is brilliant; he does it very easily and coming up the home straight there and I'm not having to do a lot and it's a lovely feeling to have.

"It's a question (his best trip). He knows how to race now, he relaxes really well and he probably will end up going a little bit further eventually. He might be one for a national at some stage in the future. That (the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster) would definitely be one that's in the mind at the moment."