tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace
behind, ridden 3f out, stayed on approaching final furlong, eased when soon beated inside final furlong
behind, ridden over 2f out, switched left and chased winner final furlong, kept on
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression
behind, ridden halfway, kept on, no impression approaching final furlong
mid-divisoin and keen, ridden halfway, kept on approaching final furlong
chased leaders on inside, not clear run over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened and eased well over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on
behind, ridden over 2f out, headway approaching final furlong, kept on
chased leaders on outside, led over 2f out, ridden and clear entering final furlong, edged left inside final furlong, kept on
mid-division, ridden and outpaced halfway, kept on, no impression approaching final furlong
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
Much improved over the last 12 months and on the back of victories at Newmarket in the Abernant and Palace House Stakes, Needwood Blade is taken to complete a hat-trick at the main expense of Feet So Fast and Bahamian Pirate. The selection has won here twice in the past, goes on the ground, is in form and appears well enough drawn in stall 13. Bryan McMahon's horse has solid claims and looks the percentage call over Feet So Fast. Impressive in the Shergar Cup Sprint when with Willie Musson last season, the son of Pivotal has since joined Godolphin and, while twice a winner in Dubai during the winter meaning fitness should not be a problem, he is passed over on ground that is probably faster than ideal. A similar comment applies to Bahamian Pirate, while lack of a recent outing is a worry for supporters of Captain Rio. The William Haggas-trained Suggestive has claims on his best but the Haggas stable has made a slow start to the campaign and he is probably best watched.
