SALISBURY 16:10

Non Runners: POGO (IRE).

Time: 1m 39.46s Closing Sectional: (3.25f): 39.9s (101.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 109%, Betfair SP 99.5%

Just the 5 runners, but 3 of them served up a thriller, the dead-heaters gaining first wins at pattern level, the third as good as ever at the age of 8 and emerging best at the weights under a penalty.

EMBESTO was strong in the betting against more exposed rivals but still needed to improve upped in grade and progressed again in forcing a dead-heat, showing a willing attitude that will stand him in good stead, his performance paying quite the compliment to Nostrum, who beat him with such authority at Newmarket; tracked pace, upsides over 2f out, remained challenging final 1f, kept on well close home, grabbed share of spoils.

MIGHTY ULYSSES in first-time cheekpieces, showed the benefit of his reappearance to gain a first win at pattern level, albeit sharing the spoils; led 1f, remained prominent, led again 2f out, strongly pressed, edged ahead final 1f, battled well, joined on line.

REGAL REALITY off 11 weeks, ran a cracker under a penalty for his win in the Diomed, as good as he was when he won this race in 2020; held up, effort over 2f out, kept on well last ½f, nearest at the finish.

DANCING MAGIC (IRE) was below form again, continuing to be overfaced, his last 8 runs at listed or pattern level; took keen hold, led after 1f, shaken up over 3f out, headed 2f out, weakened.

CHICHESTER wasn't up to the task on first outing since leaving Keith Dalgleish; slowly into stride, held up, shaken up over 3f out, not quicken, weakened 2f out.