close up in 3rd, pushed along 2 out, weakened flat
made all, shaken up 2 out, unchallenged
tracked winner, pushed along and edged right 2 out, kept on same pace
NonRunner
NonRunner
CLOSEST FRIEND recorded his earlier win over course and distance. Though he's been beaten in a couple of tough handicaps subsequently he is still weighted to beat Miami Present on these terms. The latter came good in a maiden hurdle at Fakenham in October while Solomn Grundy was still in contention when falling at Plumpton a fortnight ago and can also figure. Walkami ran well at Southwell on his hurdling bow only to finish tailed off at Warwick last month but Sirius Star has yet to shown any worthwhile form.
Sirius Star 150-1 (10-12) In rear, not fluent 5th, well beaten 3 out, 6th of 11, dist behind Cloudy Dream (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 4f (4) gd in Nov.
Solomn Grundy (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Keen, tracked leaders, not fluent 7th, hit 4 out and next, ridden and headway to challenge when fell 2 out, at Plumpton 2m 5f (4) sft in Mar.
Walkami (FR) 15-2 (11-2) Held up in touch in mid-division, lost place when not fluent 4th, behind 6th, 12th of 15, dist behind Will O'the West (11-2) at Warwick 2m 3f (4) sft in Feb.
Closest Friend 12-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, headway before 3 out, one pace, 5th of 12, 10l behind Presenting Arms (11-11) at Kempton 2m hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Miami Present (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, led before 2 out, ridden and clear before last, won at Fakenham 2m mdn (5) gs in Oct beating Blue April (11-0) by 7l, 9 ran.
