tracked leader, led 5th, headed 2 out, kept on same pace
led to 5th, remained close up, weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, pushed along before 4 out, weakened from 3 out, tailed off
in rear, headway 3 out, led 2 out, kept on well from last
Eminent Poet has been racing over further lately but did win at Taunton and Towcester around the turn of the year and would have every chance on that form. He is closely matched with Closest Friend, however, and Dan Skelton's charge goes well here. MYSTIC SKY's mare's allowance also brings her right into the reckoning as she was beaten less than a length in a handicap over 2m here last month and had also run well on quicker going at Fontwell earlier. Dark Diamond looks to be making up the numbers.
Closest Friend 5-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, effort on inside after 2 out, kept on same pace closing stages, 2nd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Querry Horse (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (4) gs in Apr.
Eminent Poet 7-1 (11-10) Tracked leader, led 3 out, soon ridden, headed last, stayed on same pace flat, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Potters Corner (11-10) at Ffos Las 2m 4f (4) sft in Apr.
Dark Diamond (IRE) 125-1 (11-3) Towards rear, headway before 2 out, ran on flat, went 2nd close home, 2nd of 12, 2 3/4l behind Astrum (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn (5) gd in Apr.
Mystic Sky 9-2 (11-7) In touch, headway 3 out, led before next, soon clear, headed closing stages, no extra, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Grimley Girl (10-10) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Apr.