Grand Canal was last seen at a racecourse in early October, when reappearing at Bath after a break of 186 days.  Carrying top weight in this handicap did not bother himself or his followers, who backed him into favourite as the day progressed.  Ridden in confidence in the middle of the pack by Jack Mitchell he took the lead 1f out and went on to win comfortably.  The handicapper obviously noticed and he has since risen him by 5 lbs in the weights.  Grand Canal is out of the mare Loreto who recently produced a Ten Sovereigns foal and has been covered by Sottsass.