made all, ridden and in command over 1f out, stayed on well, eased near finish, unchallenged
raced in 3rd throughout, pushed along 3f out, ridden and no impression over 2f out
took keen hold, held up and always last, ridden and no impression over 2f out
chased winner throughout, ridden 2f out, no impression over 1f out
Despite slight concerns about the ground FASTBACK should be able to win this ahead of Affirmable and Dane Cottage. Ralph Beckett's filly was backed off the boards at Windsor last time and looked like landing the touch before ultimately being outstayed. With that in mind this drop back to 1m2f appears ideal and as she's having just her third start for the yard since arriving from France there's every chance she can defy a 4lb rise. Her sole success in France did come on ground described as good while she acted in the mud too, so firm ground is a slight concern but we'll put our faith in her trainer taking the best course of action. If she's taken out the Affirmable and Dane Cottage may have the race to themselves. John Hills has his string in decent order so the former may come out on top; she acts on the ground and this is easier than the race she finished well beaten in last time, while the winner has gone in again since. Dane Cottage joined David Evans after winning a plating race at Warwick and might be worth opposing until returned to that grade as surrounding handicap efforts haven't been quite so strong. That said she showed a little more last time in a stronger race than this and is in good hands. Jasmeno may improve for the tongue-tie and stepping back up in trip but she needs to despite being dropped 4lbs whilst Lady Christie races from out of the weights and can be omitted, in a race taken to go to Fastback.
Fastback (IRE) 2-1fav (10-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Milnagavie (8-10) at Windsor 1m 4f fll hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Dane Cottage 14-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3l behind Shabak Hom (9-8) at Ffos Las 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Affirmable 13-2 (8-13) Tracked winner until ridden and hung left 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 8l behind Goldtrek (9-1) at Brighton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Jasmeno 14-1 (8-8) Held up towards rear, headway on outer over 3f out, ridden well over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 6l behind Bramshill Lady (8-10) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jun.
Lady Christie 40-1 (8-6) Always behind, last of 16, 22l behind Flag Of Glory (9-1) at Bath 1m 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) gd in May.
