led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, soon eased
tracked leaders, raced keenly, carried head high over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, no impression
held up in last, kept on inside final furlong, went 3rd near finish, no impression on leaders
pressed leader, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
slowly into stride, soon tracking leaders racing keenly, edged right over 3f out, led over 1f out, ran on
REDWOOD is fancied to improve past the likes of Drumbeat and Derbaas and take this en route to bigger and better things. Redwood was an impressive winner of a backend maiden at this track and has been the subject of positive bulletins from the yard. He was due to line up in a handicap at the opening weekend of the season and it's significant that connections are prepared to sacrifice what was felt to be a mark that they could exploit. Derbaas finished third in the Somerville Tattersall Stakes on his final start but could prove hard to place this season unless he's improved. Drumbeat was campaigned predominantly on testing ground in a busy season but should handle faster conditions although there's no suggestion that he's one of the stable stars. On Our Way improved markedly in the second half of last season and could have more to offer as connections felt that he was always likely to make a better three year-old than juvenile and official ratings indicate that he has little to find with the top-rated Drumbeat. Heliodor looks to face a tough task here as does the selection on the bare form but the Hannon runner is fully exposed after eleven starts whereas Redwood could be anything.
Derbaas (USA) 6-1 (8-12) Close up, chased leader halfway, ridden approaching 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Ashram (8-12) at Newmarket 7f 2yo stks G3 (1) gf in Oct.
Drumbeat (IRE) (8-13) 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Fame And Glory (8-13) at Saint-cloud(FR) 1m 2f stk in Nov.
Heliodor (USA) 7-2 (9-0) Steadied start, held up towards rear, raced keenly, waited for room until headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ridden and ran on well (hand timed), won at Newmarket 1m 2f 2yo stk (2) gs in Nov beating Ouster (9-0) by 1l, 7 ran.
On Our Way 11-8fav (9-3) In touch, travelled well throughout, shaken up and edged left to lead 1f out, clear when hung badly left towards finish, comfortably, won at Newmarket 1m 2yo stk (2) gd in Oct beating Ra Junior (9-3) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Redwood 22-1 (9-0) Held up well in rear, pushed along and good headway from over 1f out, edged left and led well inside final furlong, won at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf in Oct beating Alhaque (9-0) by 3/4l, 17 ran.
